What is an amazing rescue?

1. The Miracle of Sunder, the Elephant: In 2006, Sunder, a 20-year-old elephant from Tamil Nadu, India, had fallen into a 20-foot-deep well. Trapped for nearly 18 hours, Sunder was severely injured and exhausted. Local villagers, wildlife officials, and veterinarians joined forces to construct a pulley system and crane, ultimately lifting Sunder to safety. The successful rescue operation became a testament to the collaboration and determination of the community.

2. Saving Ellie the Elephant: In 2013, Ellie, a young elephant calf, was found abandoned and malnourished in the savannas of Kenya. She had suffered severe injuries, including a fractured leg, and was weak due to lack of food. The wildlife conservation organization, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, intervened and took Ellie to their elephant orphanage in Nairobi for treatment and rehabilitation. Over the years, Ellie made a remarkable recovery, developing a strong bond with her caregivers.

3. Rescuing Keiko, the Orca: Keiko, the famous orca whale from the movie "Free Willy," was captured from Icelandic waters in 1979 and spent over two decades in captivity in aquariums. In 1996, a team of scientists and marine conservationists launched an ambitious project to rehabilitate and release Keiko back to the wild. After years of intensive training, Keiko was transported to a remote Icelandic fjord in 1998, where he reintegrated with a group of wild orcas. While the initial rewilding efforts showed promise, Keiko passed away in 2003, leaving behind a legacy that inspired greater awareness of marine conservation.

4. Saving Luna the Beluga Whale: Luna, a rare and solitary beluga whale, gained global attention when it became separated from its natural pod in Cook Inlet, Alaska. For several years, Luna formed a close bond with local fishing boats and fishermen, following them daily and interacting playfully. Concerned about its welfare and safety, a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries and the Alaska SeaLife Center was initiated to capture and rehabilitate Luna in 2002. Although the rescue operation was initially successful, Luna sadly passed away during the process, highlighting the intricacies of marine mammal rescue efforts.

5. The Heroics of "The Three Amigos": In 2018, three stray dogs in the suburbs of Los Angeles became heroes when they rescued a toddler who had wandered away from her home. The dogs—a Great Dane mix, a Rottweiler mix, and a small terrier mix—watched over the child, barking to alert neighbors and preventing anyone from approaching her until help arrived. The dogs were later honored with awards and recognition for their heroic actions.