Two friends heading out for an early-morning mountain hike in the Middle East thought they were in for nothing more than fresh air and quiet views. Instead, their walk turned into a rescue they’ll never forget.
As they made their way uphill, they passed a long-abandoned reservoir tucked into the rocky terrain. At first glance, everything looked still — until something at the bottom caught their attention.
“We were walking early in the morning when we suddenly noticed something unusual inside the reservoir,” hiker Saeed Saedi told The Dodo.
Curious and uneasy, the pair moved closer. That’s when they realized they weren’t looking at shadows or debris — but two living animals trapped below.
“Once they stood up, we knew for sure,” Saedi said. “They were badgers.”
The moment the badgers noticed the hikers, they panicked and tried to run. But the steep concrete walls of the reservoir offered no escape. It quickly became clear they’d likely been stuck there for quite some time.
“It really felt like they’d been trapped for a while,” Saedi said. “There was no question — we had to help.”
Knowing that trying to grab the frightened animals could make things worse, the hikers chose a gentler solution. They began collecting nearby rocks and carefully stacking them into a makeshift staircase inside the reservoir.
Slowly, their plan came together.
One by one, the badgers climbed the rocky platform. And then — just like that — they were free.
“They managed to escape,” Saedi said. “Watching them climb out and run off, healthy and full of energy, was an incredible feeling.”
In a moment that could have easily been ignored, two hikers chose to stop, look closer and act. Their quick thinking and compassion saved two lives.
“It absolutely made our day,” Saedi said. “We finished our hike with a great feeling and an unforgettable memory. I’d encourage anyone to help an animal in need if they ever come across a situation like this — even a small action can make a huge difference.”
