A farmer tending to his crops in Sri Lanka Wednesday morning came across an unusual sight: four elephant calves were stuck in a slippery well, and could not climb out.

The farmer alerted wildlife officials, who quickly realized it would take some serious gear to free the trapped pachyderms. So they brought in a backhoe, and dug out a tunnel to allow the elephants to escape. Since the rescue lasted for four hours, they also brought food to the elephants, and sprayed them down with water.

Finally free, the elephants were chased back into the wilderness, where they would be safe. May they live long, happy lives.