This mother gazelle went head-to-head with Africa’s biggest eagle in a desperate attempt to save her newborn baby.
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Great Plains Conservation, a renowned conservation tourism safari company, recently shared this remarkable wildlife encounter with LatestSightings.com. This extraordinary sighting was captured at Mara Plains Camp in the Masai Mara.
The day began like any other at Mara Plains Camp, with guests embarking on their evening safari drive. However, it quickly turned into an unforgettable experience.
The guide noticed an unusual activity in the sky. An eagle was coming down with great speed, possibly about to catch something! None of the guests could see what the eagle was targeting, as it appeared that nothing was there. But then, as soon as the eagle hit the ground, they saw a baby gazelle that was hidden by its mom in the long grass.
“The eagle was able to grab the little gazelle before it could do anything. But all hope was not lost for the baby gazelle, as his mother was right there, and she did not look happy at all! The mother gazelle sized up the big eagle and horns first; she charged in with no fear!”
“She was able to, for a moment, knock the eagle off balance and send it flying back a few meters. However, the eagle’s size and determination were just too much for the mother gazelle, and the eagle returned this time, gripping the baby firmly in its talons!”
Martial eagles, known as Africa’s largest eagles, are a fascinating and powerful species. With a wingspan reaching up to 2.6 meters, these birds are renowned for their strength and hunting abilities. Typically, martial eagles prey on a variety of animals, including small antelopes, monkeys, large birds, and even reptiles. Despite their impressive hunting capabilities, martial eagles are currently facing challenges due to habitat loss and are listed as vulnerable.
The mother gazelle, realizing she could not win against the powerful eagle, sadly walked away. Leaving behind her little one, knowing that she tried her best but could do no more.
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