Watch the video here:
This heartwarming footage was sent to Latest Sightings by Marlon Lewinsky. He filmed the incident in South Africa’s Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve.
Stuck in the mud
As the video begins, a disturbing sight confronts us. An impala ewe lies trapped in the cloying mud of a dwindling waterhole.
While we have no information as to how it got into this predicament, it is not hard to imagine. As the dry season progressed, the waterhole dried up, leaving a progressively smaller pool.
As it did, a lethal trap formed around it, a circle of thick, sticky mud. Unaware of the danger, the impala ventured across the cracked surface when suddenly its sharp-pointed hooves broke through the fragile surface.
Consequently, before it could react, it slipped deeper into the squishy layer beneath. Making matters worse, the more it struggled, the deeper it sank. Eventually, exhausted, it lay helplessly waiting for death to arrive.
Help arrives
However, to our relief, Marlon and his companions came upon the pitiful scene. Wasting no time, they decided to see if they could rescue the frightened antelope.
They reached for a recovery strap made of thick canvas. Then, careful not to get stuck themselves, two men inch forward and eventually slip the strap over the impala’s head.
It is safe to assume that they determined there was no other way they could secure the strap to the antelope. No doubt, they hoped that the rescue operation wouldn’t take too long.
They then backed away from the antelope, laying out the strap directly ahead of it to reduce resistance when they put the next step into action.
All together now
Next came the moment that would likely determine the trapped impala’s fate. The two men took hold of the strap and began to pull in a clean motion, taking care not to jerk the impala’s neck.
At first, the antelope appeared firmly stuck. However, as they maintained tension on the strap, its body began to move forward out of its muddy tomb.
Relief and release
As the mud relinquished the ewe from its deadly grip, they were able to pull it clear of the hole it had created. As soon as it was clear, they released the tension on the strap so that the buck could breathe freely again.
Aware that the longer the operation continued, the more stressed the antelope would suffer, they quickly removed the strap.
Having done so, the men had done what they could. Now, they would have to wait to see if the exhausted impala could stand.
Weak but willing
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Subsequently, the ewe’s survival instinct kicked in, and she tried to get to her feet. However, her first attempt failed when she fell to her knees.
However, having tasted freedom, she immediately tried again. This time, to the relief of all involved, she managed to stand unassisted.
Although the lower half of her body was covered in mud, she was otherwise in good condition considering her ordeal.
Relief all round
Seconds later, the impala completed the final leg of her journey to freedom. Looking none the worse for wear, she trotted up the embankment as her relieved rescuers looked on.
Well done to all involved in rescuing the impala, and reminding us all that Life is precious, no matter whose it is.
