WATCH: Elephant rescues calf during Kruger National Park floods

A mother elephant at the Kruger National Park has stolen hearts after video footage of her trying to save her calf during the recent flooding at the Kruger National Park has gone viral.

In the video captured by safari guide Ian Shoebotham, the mother elephant could be seen pushing her baby to the opposite end of the bank.

“This normally dry riverbed is now a torrent of flood water, and in a moment of desperation, a young elephant calf almost got swept to its death as it attempted to cross. Thankfully, its mother used all her strength to push her baby to the opposite bank,” he wrote.

On Monday, the South African National Parks (SANParks) announced a partial reopening for day visits.

However, due to the increased rainfall overnight, much of the park's infrastructure has been damaged, forcing it to implement a gate quota system at the Malelane, Numni and Paul Kruger gates, limiting day visits to prevent overcrowding, prioritise safety, and ensure effective traffic management. 

RELATED: Kruger National Park to reopen southern gates following floods

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