Some say the bond between a mother and her offspring is instantaneous. However, this baby springbok got a bit confused when it woke up to find its mother had wandered off.
Ernest Porter of Wild Spot Safaris submitted this unusual footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it while visiting South Africa’s Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
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Newborn calf
As we join Ernest, we see a newborn springbok calf standing near a giraffe. Strangely, there is no sign of its mother.
Its mother may have left it resting in the shade when she went off to graze.
Confused calf
Baby animals instinctively imprint on their mothers shortly after birth. However, in this instance, the calf appears to have got confused.
Accordingly, when the giraffe moved off, the calf followed on very wobbly legs.
You’re making us uncomfortable
As the calf struggled to keep up with the lead giraffe, it drew the attention of another giraffe. Bending down for a closer look, it was as if it couldn’t believe what it was seeing.
Little did the calf realise that it was entering dangerous territory. While the two species aren’t strangers, they do tend to stay with their own kind.
When the giraffe stopped, the calf was able to catch up. However, as it inched closer, the giraffe became uncomfortable.
And, when the calf got closer still, the spooked giraffe lashed out towards it.
Thankfully, its flying hoof narrowly missed the calf. Considering that a giraffe kick can kill a lion, the calf was very lucky.
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Not deterred
Despite the warning, the calf was not deterred. As the giraffe moved off, the calf followed.
At this point, Ernest and his companions were becoming concerned for the calf’s well-being.
Solution in sight
Consequently, they were relieved to see an adult springbok wander closer.
However, the calf continued to follow the giraffe. But it was struggling to keep up with the giraffe’s giant strides.
When the giraffe stopped, the calf caught up. As it did, it looked around and saw something familiar.
Oops! My bad
Apparently, realising its mistake, the calf retraced its steps in the opposite direction.
Moments later, the calf walked straight up to the adult springbok, evidently realising that it was its mother after inhaling her distinctive scent.
Delighted to see the calf reunited with its mother, Ernest and his companions could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Thankfully, despite the earlier confusion, the calf was none the worse for wear after its misguided adventure.
However, it had worked up quite a thirst out in the harsh Kgalagadi sunshine. Consequently, it enjoyed a good drink while cooling down in the shade.
With the natural order of things re-established in its short life, the calf followed its mother extra closely as she moved off.