An elephant bathing in a canal in a northwestern farming district in Sri Lanka was swept downstream in a strong current on Monday.
While he was in the water, the gates opened to the farms causing a strong current. He was fighting to stay above water. Villagers watched at a bridge over the canal as the elephant struggled to keep from being swept under.
Wildlife officials came to the rescue. With the help of villagers, they made a ladder of chains and wood. They placed it in the water near some steps, hoping the elephant would be able to secure his feet and climb out.
They threw firecrackers into the water to direct the elephant towards the steps. The elephant, completely exhausted, eventually got out of the canal. He ran into the nearby jungle.
Source: Reuters
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