The scorching sun beat down on Hwange National Park, a relentless adversary in what was fast becoming one of the region’s most severe droughts. The once-lush landscape was now a cracked canvas of parched earth, and the life-giving waterholes had dwindled to treacherous mud pits. It was into one such quagmire that two infant elephants, later named Tess and Mana, had stumbled. Their tiny bodies, barely strong enough to navigate the harsh terrain, now fought a losing battle against the thick, sucking mud. Each desperate struggle to free themselves only pulled them deeper, their cries for their missing herd echoing a heartbreaking plea for help that seemed destined to go unanswered. Time was a luxury they didn’t have, and the stark reality of their predicament settled heavily over the desolate scene.
Unbeknownst to them, a glimmer of hope was on the horizon. Wildlife photographer Jens Cullmann, a seasoned observer of Hwange’s triumphs and tragedies, was working in the vicinity. His sharp eye, accustomed to spotting the subtle nuances of the wild, caught sight of the struggling calves. The immediate shock gave way to urgent action. Knowing that every minute counted, Cullmann immediately put out a distress call, reaching out to local conservationists, park rangers, and a network of dedicated volunteers. The response was immediate, a testament to the unwavering commitment many held for the park’s endangered inhabitants.
The initial assessment was grim. The mud was far deeper and stickier than anticipated, clinging to the calves with an almost malicious grip. What began as a hopeful rescue mission quickly devolved into a grueling battle against the elements and exhaustion. The team, a mix of experienced rangers and determined volunteers, worked tirelessly under the searing sun, attempting various strategies—ropes, branches, even their bare hands—to extricate the struggling babies. There were moments of despair, where the sheer impossibility of the task threatened to overwhelm them, but the sight of Tess and Mana’s wide, pleading eyes reignited their resolve.
