Elk rescues drowning marmot at zoo

In an unlikely rescue at an Idaho zoo, an elk helped save a drowning marmot. Zoo keepers thought Shooter, a 4-year-old elk, was trying to climb in a tank because he was sniffing and pawing at it.

But after he was able to position his antlers, they watched him reach into the water and grab a marmot out. The elk then set him on the ground and began nudging him with his hoof.


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"We're not sure if he just sensed that this marmot was in distress or whether he didn't like it in his way. He spent quite a bit of time like planning how to grab it," said Dr. Joy Fox of the Pocatello Zoo.

After a little time catching his breath, the rescued marmot scampered home, much to the delight of zoo keepers.