In a News 12 exclusive, it was a life-or-death situation for a deer stranded in frigid waters in the river at Southaven County Park in Yaphank Tuesday afternoon.

While aboard a small boat, Frankie Floridia, president of Strong Island Animal Rescue, chipped away at the ice along the river.

While Ryan Gilmartin, a wildlife rescuer with the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, used an ore to keep pushing the boat forward.

They inched closer and closer to a doe that was in distress.

“It took a lot of endurance and speed, and we knew that it was a life-or-death situation in the end and we pulled it off,” said Floridia.

Working together on a wildlife rescue for the first time, Floridia and Gilmartin pulled the yearling to safety.

“I saw the signs that she was still alive but suffering the effects of severe hypothermia. At that point, I know I need to get her back as quick as possible, back in my car, so I can start warming her up while on route to the hospital,” said Gilmartin.

Police were on scene to assist where needed.

“It was very tough. Another minute and a half, she definitely would not have made it,” said Floridia.

News 12 is told the deer’s condition is improving. The hope is that she will make a full recovery and be released in a safe location in a couple of days.

The wildlife rescuers have now given her the name, Elsa, from the Disney film, "Frozen."