Skip to main content

Digger rescue

Staff at a game reserve in South Africa responded in a rather unconventional manner when they spotted a black rhino in distress. The animal had wandered into a dried up watering hole, but then proved unable to extricate itself from the deep mud. The team from the game reserve brought in a backhoe loader to help the animal. The machine was used to dig a way through the soft ground to the rhino, which was then able to scramble free, although it did try to headbutt the digger bucket when it came close. Other o
March 23, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
Staff at a game reserve in South Africa responded in a rather unconventional manner when they spotted a black rhino in distress. The animal had wandered into a dried up watering hole, but then proved unable to extricate itself from the deep mud. The team from the game reserve brought in a backhoe loader to help the animal. The machine was used to dig a way through the soft ground to the rhino, which was then able to scramble free, although it did try to headbutt the digger bucket when it came close. Other options such as attempting to drag the animal free using a rope and tranquilising it with a dart gun had been considered but quickly discounted as being impractical. It was not available for comment afterwards.

Related Content

  • JCB loans machine fleet to aid British flood disaster relief work
    February 13, 2014
    JCB is reacting to the British flood disaster by deploying a €908,760 (£750,000) fleet of machines complete with operators to help stricken families. The company today announced that four of its high-speed, high ground clearance Fastrac tractors equipped with trailers and two of its iconic backhoe loaders were being despatched to the worst affected areas. The Fastrac tractors will be deployed in areas where people and livestock need moving from advancing flood waters. The JCB backhoe, with its ability t
  • Concrete drilling made E-Z
    November 29, 2012
    E-Z Drill is now introducing its Model 210 Equipment-Mounted concrete drill attachment series. Consisting of three models: the three-gang Model 210-3 EQ MT, four-gang Model 210-4 EQ MT and five-gang Model 210-5 EQ MT, the range is said to be compatible with most backhoe loaders and excavators. The pneumatic drills are said to deliver high productivity and lower maintenance needs, suiting them to full-depth road repair and patching projects. A control panel is mounted on the drill and the units are capable
  • Making the U-turn
    August 2, 2012
    Political hostility to a toll road project in Australia has been turned around by the quality and amenity of the project writes Adrian Greeman Cars, trucks and vans were taking to the new EastLink toll road in Melbourne with enthusiasm this July, pleased to try out its 39km route for time and cost savings. As well as the convenience of the uncongested route, drivers were also able to view an extraordinary multi-shaded perspective of transparent green and orange noise wall panels, burnt earth-coloured retai
  • Choosing the right dowel drilling equipment
    March 16, 2012
    Several aspects factor into choosing the proper concrete dowel drill - Randy Stevens. The concrete paving industry has seen significant changes to dowel drilling equipment over the years. Many years ago only hand-held models existed and when the first hydraulic drills were launched over 30 years ago, these increased production and reduced labour needs. Since that time pneumatic drills, have come to market and these are driven by air compressors, which are common on many worksites while the units also have l