Dramatic 6-Hour Rescue Saves Giraffe Trapped in Swimming Pool at Phelwana Game Reserve, Limpopo

• A dramatic rescue mission unfolded at Phelwana Game Reserve in Limpopo when a giraffe became trapped in a swimming pool overnight
• The reserve's staff devised a daring plan to rescue the giraffe, constructing a makeshift exit ramp and working in close quarters with the frightened animal
• After a six-hour rescue effort, the giraffe was finally freed and was later spotted roaming the reserve in good health, while staff were left to deal with the aftermath of cleaning the pool

Staff and guests at Phelwana Game Reserve in Limpopo experienced an extraordinary turn of events this week on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, when one of the reserve’s largest giraffes became trapped in a swimming pool overnight.

The reserve revealed in a detailed Facebook post, noting that what began as a normal morning quickly turned into an all-hands rescue mission.

“Of course, here at Phelwana, the team arrive each morning with a plan for the day ahead and what needs to be done. Well on Wednesday this week, all plans went out the window when the bush had other ideas,” the post read.

Read also

"One big, thirsty Cape cobra": Man gives snake bottled water after removing it from attic

Reserve Manager Andrew alerted the team to what he described as “a very big problem," a five-metre-tall male giraffe, well-known to guests as a regular visitor near the villas, had fallen into a pool. With steep steps making escape impossible, the animal was left circling helplessly in the water.

After lengthy discussions, the staff devised a daring plan. They began draining water from the pool before constructing a makeshift exit ramp. Using tyres, rocks and sand, they created a stable slope that would resemble a natural path for the giraffe to climb. The work, however, proved both exhausting and dangerous.

With temperatures soaring to 38°C, the team had to work in close quarters with the frightened giraffe, who lashed out by swinging his neck and attempting to kick.

“It was incredibly stressful for all involved. Much closer than you should ever be to a wild animal, especially one the size of a giraffe,” the reserve explained.

Read also

A delivery driver was honoured with a motorbike parade after graduation, and went viral

Once the ramp was complete, the staff stood back, hoping the giraffe would leave on his own. But despite hours of circling, he failed to attempt. Time was running out, and the team decided to intervene again.

Armed with a large net tied to poles, the rescuers created a barrier and guided the giraffe toward the ramp. In a dramatic 30 seconds, the animal stumbled, collapsed to his knees, then pushed himself forward before finally climbing out of the pool. The rescue had taken six gruelling hours.

Fortunately, the giraffe was later seen roaming the reserve in good health, showing no signs of injury. Staff have since joked that while the animal was unharmed, a new challenge now awaits: cleaning the pool.

The reserve concluded the post by saying:

“There’s nothing more unpredictable than working with animals. Except, of course, working with wild animals.”

SA reacts to giraffe stuck in swimming pool at game reserve

Read also

"Geography is illegal in America": US women accidentally board the wrong plane to Africa, SA reacts

People in South Africa took to the comments section to express their thoughts on the giraffe incident, saying:

Lisha Raghubir said:

"Funny but not funny- the tallest animal struggles to get out of the pool! Thank u for the rescue."

Cayla Danielle Hendricks-Robertson added:

"I love how nonchalant he is, just eating there."

Lindi Van Rensburg wrote:

"Oh my Word...what an expedition!! I think a dart and a winch would be way easier."

Beverly Ginsburg replied:

"That is so funny. I wish it had happened to me!"

Karina Nel commented:

"Well done getting him out. Not easy working with wild animals...but so worth it."

Watch the video below:

3 Briefly News stories about dangerous animals

• A heartwarming compilation video showcased lions reuniting with their rescuers, highlighting the deep bond between humans and wildlife.
• A dog trainer from the Eastern Cape shared a video warning about a hyena attack on a young farmer at Cape Vidal campsite in KwaZulu-Natal.
• Mzansi was fortunate to witness some of the most shocking animal and human encounters, which were captured on camera and shared online.

Source: Briefly News