We think everyone can agree that this planet is CROWDED. While the population steadily increases, the natural space that should be reserved for our animal brethren decreases, a fact that forces many of them to face manmade dangers.

Case in point: this adorable elephant calf who managed to get herself caught in an open rainwater drain in the Sri Lankan port city of Hambantota.

Port workers first noticed that something was amiss when they heard the young elephant’s cries coming from under the road. It was then that they got in touch with wildlife officials and hatched a plan to get this panicked calf to safety.

Because even the tiniest of elephants are still massive – they can weigh in at over 200 pounds, straight out of the womb! – the nearby port workers came up with the brilliant idea of using their heavy machinery to help hoist her out.

Nevertheless, and perhaps not surprisingly, it took a bit more of a hands-on effort from the rescuers to help the squirming elephant. After tying a thick rope around the calf’s midsection, this ragtag bunch was able to pull her out of the sewer by her legs and trunk.

The calf’s mom was nowhere to be found, so wildlife workers brought her to a refuge to get specialized care. It was there that she received treatment for the broken leg that she had injured in the sewer incident.

Phew! That poor baby went through a lot!

A city filled with elephants

Amazingly, the city of Hambantota is no stranger to elephants getting in the way of people—and vice versa. Just recently, Sri Lankan officials have been readying themselves for what some think could turn into a public safety emergency.

You see, the country is about to host a massive soccer match against Zimbabwe; an estimated 35,000 fans are expecting to attend. But their problem has nothing to do with crowd control; it has to do with the elephants.

As it turns out, there is a protected jungle patch that sits just 100 meters from the stadium, and elephants, like the “pint-sized” (in elephant terms!) star of our video, have been known to stray from their area and interrupt daily city life. Talk about a clash of cultures!

Nevertheless, it seems as though officials are less worried about the elephants doing damage, and more about the fans going over to the protected animal refuge and disturbing the estimated 25 elephants roaming inside its limits.

To avoid this potential issue, officials have come up with a plan to shore up the areas surrounding the habitat on the days leading up to the match. This extra security will hopefully keep the riff-raff out and help keep those majestic creatures safe.

In brief, Hambantota seems to be a city where both man and beast intersect. Fascinating stuff!

To see the harrowing rescue for yourself, be sure to watch the video below. Thank goodness for these good Samaritans. We are sure that the baby elephant appreciates all of their efforts!

What do you think of this baby elephant rescue? Were you surprised by their method of freeing the calf? Have you ever witnessed an animal rescue before?