A COW weighing around 1,600lb was airlifted to safety by helicopter after becoming trapped in a ravine.
Dramatic footage shows the animal suspended in a sling beneath a helicopter as it flies over the Gistau Valley in Plan, Spain.
The cow had injured one of its legs and was unable to walk out of the remote area by itself.
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Its farmer had reportedly spent several days trying to move it before calling in Air Lama Helicopters, which specialises in external-load operations.
The animal was secured beneath the helicopter before being lifted from the ravine and transported to safety.
David Garcés, the pilot involved in the rescue, said such operations are more common than they might appear, as reported by Need To Know.
“It’s relatively common,” he said. Many livestock farms are located in remote mountain pastures inaccessible to vehicles, meaning helicopters can sometimes be the only way to rescue injured animals.
The cow had been stuck in the ravine for several days when the pilots arrived and was even able to stand, but refused to walk because of the pain in its injured leg.
“It could have walked out on its own if it had been well, but it was in a little bit of pain and didn’t want to walk. So there was no other way,” Garcés said.
He said the main challenge was keeping the animal calm, with cows given a small dose of sedative during such operations. The cow’s weight was not a problem, as the helicopter can carry up to 2,315lb.
“It was straightforward,” Garcés said of the rescue, which was completed without incident.
The operation took place around two weeks ago, but footage was shared on social media on Wednesday (26 August) and quickly went viral, with many viewers commenting on how remarkably calm the cow looked as it flew beneath the helicopter.
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