19.06.2026 10:10
A calf released for the first time from a barn to pasture in Ardahan jumped into Lake Çıldır when it got scared. Drifting among the waves and at risk of drowning, the calf was rescued in a breathtaking operation carried out by villagers who went out onto the lake by boat.
In the Çıldır district of Ardahan, a calf that had been kept in a barn since birth and was released to pasture for the first time, seeing daylight, caused moments filled with excitement and fear. Startled by the surrounding sounds or the open space, the unfortunate animal suddenly ran and jumped into the cool waters of Lake Çıldır. The villagers were practically mobilized for the calf that got stranded among the waves.
FIRST TIME OUTSIDE, JUMPED INTO THE LAKE OUT OF FEAR
The incident occurred at a village pasture on the shores of Lake Çıldır. The calf, taken out of the barn for the first time to graze by its owner, suddenly became startled for an undetermined reason. The animal, losing control and quickly running to the lake shore, jumped into the water without hesitation. Strong waves forming on the lake due to the wind began to drag the calf, which had drifted away from the shore, toward the open water.
RESCUE OPERATION WITH A BOAT BY THE VILLAGERS
Nearby villagers who saw the calf struggling in the lake rushed to help without wasting time. Citizens boarded a boat found on the shore and rowed out onto the lake. Reaching the calf struggling with the waves, the villagers managed to guide the animal toward the shore using the boat without startling it.
HANDED OVER TO ITS OWNER
The calf, carefully brought close to the shore, was taken out of the water and moved to a safe area. The wet and shivering animal, after being checked, was handed over to its relieved owner. The unusual and thrilling rescue operation on Lake Çıldır was captured moment by moment by other citizens on the shore using their mobile phone cameras.
Here are images from those moments;