If it’s one thing elephants can’t climb out of, it’s a hole. Just last month on March 24th 2017, Asian elephants found themselves stuck in a huge hole that was an old bomb crater created from the time of the Vietnam War. It was only due to the mammoth effort by local conservationists and farmers that rescued the herd of 11 Asian elephants stuck in the crater in Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary in Cambodia.

1 Elephants stuck in bomb crater used for storing water by farmers

The old bomb crater was being used by farmers for water storage when the elephants wandered in but were stuck and unable to come out. A dramatic rescue ended in the animals being pulled out of the hole.

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2 The animals were caked in mud

The crater almost 10 feet in height was too high for the animals to climb out. The 11 Asian elephants stuck in the hole were soon caked in mud which dried even on the ground making it even more difficult for the animals to climb out.

The elephants were discovered by local farmers who immediately informed the World Conservation Society and Department of Environment who teamed up to plan a rescue.

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3 The well planned rescue

The elephants were watered and fed even as a ramp was constructed for them to climb out. The 11 Asian elephants stuck in the crater were soon free. Had the rescue not been in time, a tragedy might have occurred resulting in the death of some of the animals.

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4 Elephants play a major role in breeding to increase their population

The herd consisted of eight juveniles among which were a male yet to attain maturity and three adult females. Elephants play an important role in the breeding of the elephant population in Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary WCS country director Dr. Ross Sinclair even praised the rescue efforts and the unity shown by local population and authorities in protecting the elephants. Watch the rescue video.