An orphaned rhino was rescued from a raging river by conservationists using a tractor tied to its horn.

Two-year-old Mimi had become stuck in mud in the Sibuya Game Reserve, South Africa, on April 15 and couldn’t get herself out.

Dramatic footage shows the 750kg rhino sinking into the mud while rescuers – two in the water with others on the bank – tied ropes around her body.

With the help of the horsepower from a tractor, the team were able to lift Mimi free of the dirt and back on to dry land.

Carol Fox, from Sibuya Game Reserve, said: “Mimi is the survivor of a brutal poaching incident over the Easter weekend in 2023. She was treated in hospital for many months for her gunshot wounds.

“The emotional and physical trauma of being shot and losing her mother and aunt while she was a very young calf were delaying factors in her slow recovery.

“Mimi obviously remembered the trauma and brutality of the poaching incident and visited her mother’s grave site on numerous occasions.

“We assume she was very unsettled and traumatised by her memories and roamed back and forth away from the group to visit the gravesite.

“It appears she was joined by an amorous male and was unfortunately ‘bumped’, falling down a bank into the river.

“Weighing approximately 750kg she had sunk deep into thick mud on the shoreline and had absolutely no chance of being able to free herself.

“Luckily the tide was out so she didn’t drown and the incoming tide was not too high so her head was still above the level of the water.

“After assessing the situation and making several failed attempts, it was decided that the only way to move Mimi’s bulk was to get all hands on deck to assist and the brute strength of a tractor with webbing straps to wrap around her to help pull her out.

“The entire team were there to assist in the rescue operation and braved danger, rain, mud and freezing water with total commitment.

“We’re so proud of them all and are eternally grateful for their unwavering assistance and dedication.

“Rescues like this are not common but when necessary we do our utmost to be of assistance. During the night, Mimi visited the grave sites, drank and grazed briefly.”

Sibuya Game Reserve opened in April 2003 and covers 35sq kilometres of the Kariega Estuary in South Africa.