Enquire
Why book with us?

What are you looking for?

Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY

Last Updated: 30 January 2024

Giraffe rescued from swimming pool [Youtube video]

Alice Lombard Headshot

Written by  Tiffany Bowers

 • Travel Writer

Verified by  Alice Lombard

 •  Destination Expert

Part of the South Africa Safari Collection

Watch as a giraffe is rescued from a swimming pool in this YouTube video.

While filming the television series Wild at Heart, the crew found a nine-year-old, pregnant giraffe in a swimming pool, as caught on the above YouTube video.

The show is filmed in the Leopard’s Den game reserve in South Africa, where wildlife roam free and the crew do their best not to interfere with them in their habitat. On this occurrence though, the 14 months pregnant giraffe, named ‘Lucy’, managed to squeeze through a fence around the set situated in the Glen Afric game sanctuary.

Producer Adam Friedlander says he is not 100 per cent sure how the giraffe landed up in the pool, but he guesses that she may have been drinking from it, and with her head being too low, became disorientated and fell in.

Actor Stephen Tompkinson who was on the set at the time said: “It was such a bizarre sight – as soon I walked round the corner all I could see was this great neck sticking out of the pool.”

The rescue began with the crew first draining the pool with the idea of using sandbags to build steps that the giraffe could use to climb out. The idea was abandoned after concerns that the animal would slip and fall over.

The Fire Brigade was called to the rescue, and decided to dig a trench at one end of the pool and lure the giraffe out with food.

After three hours, Lucy eventually climbed out of the pool without a scratch.

So for future reference thats how a giraffe is rescued from a swimming pool – YouTube video style!

Source: The Telegraph

Written by  Tiffany Bowers

 • Travel Writer

Team Member Headshot

Verified by  Alice Lombard

 •  Destination Expert

Alice is our Sales & Product Manager, responsible for managing the Sales Consultants as well as all the products and itineraries that we promote.

Discover the African Journey that’s Right for You

Discover Africa Through Travellers' Stories

These stories capture the real magic of Africa – where every journey becomes a chapter worth sharing.

The true magic, though, is with the people. They’re not just staff; they’re my friends, my family.

JJ Towler

United States

Matthys Van Aswegen

JJ Towler's journey was crafted with the expertise of Matthys Van Aswegen

I went to Africa to help my parents check a box, but I returned with a new perspective on my own life. Africa is no longer a "someday" destination for me; it’s a "must-return".

Steven

United States

Vihann Van Wyk

Steven's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

We trusted our guide implicitly as we sat mere metres from elephants, lions, and hippos.

Cathy & Debb

Canada

Vihann Van Wyk

Cathy & Debb's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

The Serengeti offered us sights we had never witnessed before, such as the surreal image of lions lounging high in the trees

Cathy & Nat

Canada

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us

star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Google review

"Many thanks to Discover Africa for organising a great trip to Victoria Falls and Botswana. Chrizaan was extremely helpful in planning the trip (including promptly arranging visa related paperwork etc) and answering queries. The quality of the accommodations..."

Nirmalya Ganguly, United Kingdom10 Jul 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Trustpilot review

"From the very beginning, Bianca was a wonderful help in planning our South African safari. Her knowledge, attention to detail, and thoughtful recommendations made our trip truly exceptional. Becks Safari Lodge was, in our group’s opinion, a six-star expe..."

Leanne Morris, Australia12 Jun 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Google review

"This was the most thrilling vacation I have ever taken. Justin at Discover Africa planned everything down to the finest detail so it was effortless, magical and perfect from start to finish. A trip of a lifetime and then some!"

Heili Lehr, United States06 Apr 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Trustpilot review

"This was my 6th trip to South Africa and Botswana and, as always, Matthys van Aswegen made it a happy, safe, and exciting experience! My roommate, Glenna, and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip to South Africa's Boulders Beach to visit the African Penguin Reserv..."

JJ Towler, United States02 Apr 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Trustpilot review

"We had a wonderful safari experience, and Justin from Discover Africa made everything seamless from start to finish. Communication before the trip was clear and helpful, and we felt well supported throughout. Some truly special moments including the fant..."

Tim Curtis, Netherlands18 Feb 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"Was just awesome, would recommend anytime...saw all big 5, all small 5, live kill by lions...was just divine"

Priyum Koonjul, Canada21 Nov 2025

Read More
View All Testimonials

Our safari traveller reviews are independently verified and sourced from trusted third-party review platforms.