Is it a herd... is it a plane?

HERE’S an airlift with a twist, as elephants are hauled by crane on to a lorry after straying from their reserve. The astonishing pictures of the 10ft beasts lying tranquillised then gently being put on trucks so they can be driven home were taken by Pete Oxford, 58. Pete, of Torquay, Devon, was invited to record the extraordinary round-up by caring conservationists in South Africa. He said: “My pictures show their incredible dedication. “It is not every day you see live elephants hanging upside-down from a crane.”

KNOCKOUT Snoozing herd seen from above HOLD ON Help from volunteer

HEAVY LOAD Nellies on the trucks GOING UP Elephant takes off