In the heat of the bush, a young elephant calf splashed playfully at a watering hole, unaware of the danger beneath the surface.

In an instant, a crocodile lunged — its jaws clamping tightly around the calf’s trunk. The calf screamed, thrashing as the predator tried to drag it under. The herd erupted in panic, trumpeting and stomping, dust and water flying in every direction.

For a moment, it seemed hopeless. The crocodile’s grip was too strong. But then the mother charged. With fury and power, she struck and stomped until the reptile finally let go, sliding back into the depths.

Shaken and bleeding, the calf stumbled backward — alive, because its mother refused to let go.