In a heartfelt narrative of survival and human kindness, two young elephants named Tess and Mana were saved from a life-threatening predicament in Zimbabwe. Caught in a muddy waterhole during a severe drought, the baby elephants faced the harsh realities of nature. However, due to the swift actions and bravery of wildlife photographer Jens Cullmann and the ‘Wild is Life’ animal sanctuary, Tess and Mana are now on their way to recovery, demonstrating that with resolve, empathy, and teamwork, even the direst situations can be transformed.
The rescue saga commenced in Mana Pools National Park, where Jens Cullmann, while exploring the region, discovered the stranded elephants. Aware of the urgency, Jens promptly reached out to the ‘Wild is Life’ animal sanctuary, an organization renowned for its relentless efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife in distress. The sanctuary quickly assembled a team of committed volunteers, including a veterinarian, who were determined to rescue the two baby elephants from their dangerous situation.

The rescue operation was a challenging and physically demanding task. Equipped with ropes, shovels, and unwavering determination, the team worked diligently under tough conditions. The terrain was perilous, and the weather was unforgiving, yet the volunteers remained focused on their mission. For hours, they toiled to free Tess and Mana, their fatigue growing as they struggled to extract the young elephants from the sticky mud that ensnared them.
When they finally managed to pull the weary and weakened elephants to safety, the relief was immense. However, their efforts were far from over. Tess and Mana were in critical condition, suffering from severe dehydration and weakness due to their ordeal. The team quickly administered intravenous fluids to rehydrate them and restore their strength, ensuring that the baby elephants could survive the physical toll of the rescue.

With the elephants stabilized, the next chapter of their journey began. Tess and Mana were flown to the Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery, where they would receive the specialized care and nurturing environment essential for their recovery. The sanctuary’s dedicated team focused not only on their physical healing but also on their emotional well-being, as both elephants had experienced a traumatic ordeal. The aim was to help Tess and Mana regain their strength and resilience, preparing them for a return to the wild where they truly belonged.
Tess and Mana’s story is a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of wildlife, even in the face of adversity. It also emphasizes the vital role of human intervention in protecting endangered species and maintaining the delicate balance of nature. Without the selfless actions of Jens Cullmann, the ‘Wild is Life’ team, and all those who worked tirelessly to save the elephants, Tess and Mana might not have had a second chance at life.

Their rescue has not only attracted global attention but also ignited a renewed urgency in the fight to protect vulnerable species. The story highlights the importance of conservation efforts and the shared responsibility we all have in safeguarding the natural world for future generations.
Tess and Mana’s journey from danger to safety is a poignant reminder that every life, no matter how small, is worth saving. It also serves as a beacon of hope for the future of endangered wildlife, reinforcing the belief that with compassion, collaboration, and a commitment to preserving our planet’s biodiversity, we can ensure that stories like Tess and Mana’s conclude in triumph, not tragedy.
The rescue of Tess and Mana, two young elephants whose lives were saved through collective action, serves as a reminder that every effort counts in the fight for conservation. It is a story of strength, love, and the unwavering will to protect the creatures with whom we share this planet.









