Incredible Rescue: Mom And Aunt Save Baby Elephant From Drowning

When a six-month-old elephant calf tries to cross a deep river, there's always risk involved. This time, the risk was nearly fatal -- as the calf was scooped up by the rushing tide, a female in her pack darted over to save her. But it wasn't until her mom lumbered down from the shore to help, that the calf could finally be rescued.

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For baby elephants, crossing rivers are one of the most dangerous threats early on in life (along with lions and poachers), when they are often not yet strong enough to fight the current.

Elephants are known for their devotion to raising their young -- not only do calves stick by mom's side for about 16 years, but the whole herd plays a role in raising young, a phenomenon known as "allomothering." This behavior earned elephants a spot on the list of the most astonishing moms of the animal kingdom -- see this post for the others.