The young calf had been playing near the deepest edge of a waterhole on the African plains when a crocodile suddenly lunged out and snapped its teeth around the calf’s delicate trunk.
Alarmed, the rest of the herd trumpeted and squealed in panic before charging in to save the helpless youngster caught by the reptile.
Summoning surprising strength, the little elephant yanked itself free, stumbling back and forcing the crocodile to slip away into the muddy waters.
This intense encounter was documented by farmer and photographer Francois Borman close to Mana Pools in Zimbabwe’s Zambezi Valley.
“It was the last thing I expected,” he admitted. “I had spent hours outdoors hoping just to witness a simple moment in nature.”
The drama began when a crocodile noticed a group of elephant calves approaching to drink. Concealed in the water, it targeted one playful youngster splashing at the edge.
“The little one was clearly delighted to be there — he plunged into the deeper part, rolling about and trumpeting with joy,” Borman remembered.
But that joy turned into panic within seconds.
A tense struggle for survival followed. Despite its small size, the calf fought back fiercely. At one point, it even dragged the crocodile partly out of the pool.
Once more elephants rushed in, the reptile finally released its hold. The herd had saved one of its most vulnerable members.
Reflecting on his photos, Borman said:
“When I looked back at the shots, I was amazed — I knew I had captured something truly unusual.
Moments like this are what every wildlife photographer dreams of. We wait for hours, sometimes days, for the chance to witness something so extraordinary.”
