Web of Life

A group of Sri Lankan veterinary experts in Scotland saved the life of a sick baby elephant - by getting it back on its feet with the help of a British-built industrial digger, the Scotman reported yesterday(5).

The unusual rescue operation was made possible using the front bucket of a JCB donated by the Staffordshire-based firm to the Born Free Foundation, the report said.

The digger, which is normally used for ground clearing and construction work at the foundation’s centre for orphaned elephants at Udawalawe, was given to the charity last year.

It was presented to soap star Helen Worth, who plays Gail Hillman in Coronation Street and is also a foundation patron.

Dr Suhada Jayewardene, head vet and manager of the Elephant Transit Home, said: "JCBs are extremely versatile machines but I have never heard of one being used before to give a sick wild elephant a much-needed lift."

The 3CX backhoe loader, made in Rocester, near Uttoxeter, Staffs, swung into action after the young wild elephant was found trapped in a mud pool.

It had been there for three days and was lying down and in distress, increasing the risk of skin disease and a potentially fatal muscular condition.

But even though the stricken animal was hauled out of the pool by a jeep, all efforts to coax it into a standing position failed.

A rope was then tied around the one-tonne elephant’s neck and shoulder while two rescuers stood in the JCB`EDs front bucket holding the end of a rope.

The men were then lifted up in the shovel of the eight-tonne machine and the animal was gradually hoisted to a standing position.

After regaining his balance, the young bull wandered off into the bush. He was spotted three days later and appeared to have made a full recovery.

A JCB spokesman said: "JCB machines are used for many unusual tasks throughout the world but this has to count as one of the most extraordinary."

(http://www.island.lk/2004/10/06/news11.html)