Watch a Wild Panda Narrowly Escape Death in a Raging River

According to Shanghaiist, the incident took place at a rural hydro-power station located in the Wolong National Nature Reserve.

The reserve is a protected area in Sichuan’s Wenchuan County. About 150 highly-endangered giant pandas thrive within its confines.

The 4-year-old panda fell into the river while trying to make its way above.

As seen in one footage, the troubled panda successfully saves itself from drowning, but becomes trapped on a walkway.

Saving the anxious panda was not an easy task. As per NetEase, authorities shot the animal with tranquilizer darts, lulling it to sleep.

Park staff then took the panda to safety. It was freed into the wild around 9:30 p.m. on the same day.

It breaks our hearts to hear sad panda stories, so we’re really glad this one had a happy ending.

Watch a part of the epic rescue below: