In a moving incident on a rural road in eastern Thailand, a baby elephant was brought back to life after being struck while crossing the road with its herd. The young elephant lay motionless as its mother called out nearby — a heartbreaking scene that drew the attention of a local rescuer, Mana Srivate.

Srivate, an experienced member of Thailand’s rescue services with more than 26 years in the field, happened to be off duty when he encountered the injured animal. Acting on instinct, he rushed to the elephant’s side and began performing CPR — using a technique similar to that used on humans, though adapted to the animal’s size.

“I just guessed where its heart might be,” Srivate later said. For several tense minutes, he continued chest compressions, hoping for a sign of life. Then, after what felt like an eternity, the baby elephant began to move again.

“When it moved,” Srivate recalled, “I cried.”

The elephant was later taken for observation before being reunited with its mother. Witnesses described a touching moment when the two touched trunks — a quiet but powerful gesture of reunion and relief.

The story quickly spread across Thailand, with many praising Srivate for his compassion and quick thinking. His actions that night served as a reminder that empathy and courage can bridge even the widest gap between humans and the natural world.

Sometimes, true heroism is found not in uniforms or medals, but in a simple act of saving a life — no matter the species.