An extraordinary moment at La Aurora Zoo in Guatemala City has captured the internet’s attention. An elderly elephant, Trompita, was filmed showing clear distress after an antelope fell into a pool within its enclosure.
In the footage, Trompita, who is 60 years old, paces anxiously along the pool’s edge while the antelope struggles in the water.
Witness Maria Isabel Diaz Ruiz de Llarena recorded the scene, noting how the elephant seemed to use its trunk to help the struggling antelope.
Diaz Ruiz de Llarena shared the video on Facebook, stating, “Today, I was lucky enough to witness something very beautiful.
An elephant appeared desperate to alert zookeepers that an antelope was in trouble. Fortunately, a courageous worker managed to rescue the antelope.”
Despite the elephant’s apparent distress, a zookeeper quickly entered the pool and lifted the antelope to safety.
Once the antelope was rescued and reunited with its herd, the elephant visibly calmed down, and the crowd erupted in applause.
According to zoo veterinarian Alejandro Striedinger, Trompita, who has shared her enclosure with antelopes for some time, displayed a notable connection to the antelope.
However, Striedinger clarified that the antelope was never in danger, as the pool includes shallow areas and islands, allowing animals to exit the water safely.
Trompita has been a resident of the Guatemalan zoo for 14 years, having been rescued from a circus where she was subjected to performance routines. Her recent act of concern highlights her deep bond with her enclosure mates.
In a related story, Sri Lankan photographer Pathum Bandara recently captured playful behavior from a baby elephant, who was seen climbing onto the back of a friend for a rest.
Bandara, observing a herd of over 200 elephants, described the sight as “amazing,” noting the young elephant’s playful and mischievous behavior.
Read more Elephant News.
