Usually conservation workers will not intervene when animal residents get taken hold of by nature. But watching a mother elephant die with her baby was just not going to happen on this particular day.

In Zambia, a baby elephant got stuck in a deep mud lagoon. The mother saw her fall and struggle, and made a rescue attempt. But then she sank in the mud and became stuck herself. Meanwhile they continued to sink deeper, increasing the chances of their demise.

Thankfully, wildlife officials and conservationists saw the mother and baby. They flew into action and for the next few hours battled the heat trying to save them before the mud started drying.

But as soon as they would make a little progress and pull out the baby to safety, the calf would run right back into the mud to be with it’s mother. Amazing how she wanted to be at her mom’s side against all odds.

Two more attempts and a ton of strength, the mom was able to be pulled out of the mud. Grateful yet exhausted, she ran back to her herd and to her baby.

Here are the amazing pictures of the very dramatic rescue. Please SHARE this incredible rescue tale with your friends on Facebook!

The herd stands in panic over the mother and baby, who both sank deep into Africa’s muddy lagoon.

As the mud began to dry, the small calf cried out in fear. She and her mom needed help as they faced imminent death.

Wildlife officials and conservationists worked together to pull of this incredible rescue. They managed to slip a rope under the baby, but the task of pulling her out proved nearly impossible.

The workers first attempted to rescue the calf and were successful, but instead of running free she ran back into the mud to be with Mom. She got stuck again in the process.

The baby girl cried out for help — it seemed all hope was lost, and that Mom was about to die.

The calf was nearly free once again, but she looked as though she wanted to return back to her mother a second time.

The team frantically tried to keep the calf from getting stuck again.

They tried to rescue the calf one last time. This was their last shot.

Finally, the baby is pulled to safety!

Her herd cries out to her, and luckily she runs to them this time. But Mom is still in dire need.

Mom is so exhausted at this point. She’s ready to give up, but the workers are determined to reunite her with her daughter.

They knew they couldn’t physically pull Mom by themselves, so they needed something stronger — a tractor.

Little by little, they’re able to pull her out of the muddy grave. Mom has to put in some of the work, too.

She screams for her baby as her body is pulled from the muddy grave.

Finally, Mom is able to escape for good. She runs back to her herd and her worried baby.

Safe at last, all thanks to a group of heroes who did whatever it took. Simply astonishing.