Watch now:
A Shaky Start to Life
In the heart of MalaMala Game Reserve, Pieter van Wyk captured an unforgettable scene: the first steps of a newborn elephant calf. Barely minutes or hours old, the little one was very unsteady on its feet.
It wobbled as it tried to navigate a big new world with its first few clumsy attempts. The calf teetered and tumbled, its legs like jelly trying to support its heavy, wrinkled frame.
Luckily though, it didn’t have to face the challenge alone. The calf’s mother was right by its side, calm and attentive, ready at all times to support her baby.
Each time the calf stumbled, it instinctively leaned into its mother’s sturdy leg for support. When it fell over, the mother used immense care to lift it baby back up with her trunk.
Her movements were very slow, deliberate, and soft, and every action was reassuring. It was a moving display of elephant empathy and maternal intuition, showing how deeply bonded these animals are from birth.
After several valiant attempts, the little one found a different kind of comfort. It reaching under its mother’s belly and latched on to nurse, drinking eagerly.
Nursing not only provides vital nutrition for the calf but also offers a powerful sense of safety and connection between mother and baby. For the mother, this was a moment to rest and reassure, as the sun warmed the earth around them.
The Power of Persistence
Despite its wobbly legs and frequent falls, the calf never gave up. It tried again and again, collapsing in the grass only to rise once more with its mother’s help.
This persistent effort was not just a sign of determination but rather a biological necessity. In the wild, newborn elephants must quickly learn to walk and stay close to the herd, which rarely stays in one place for long.
Staying behind, even briefly, can leave a newborn elephant vulnerable to predators like lions and hyenas who seek to take advantage of their weakness. Walking also helps the calf bond with its mother and learn her scent and movements in order to stay close and safe.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
These first shaky steps may seem small, but they mark the beginning of the calf’s journey toward independence and survival.
Why Elephant Mothers Are Extraordinary
Elephant mothers are known for their remarkable care and intelligence. They remain close to their calves for many years, guiding them through early challenges and teaching them how to be part of the herd.
This bond is critical for survival, and since elephants are emotional animals, maternal care is as much about mental and social development as physical support. This gentle scene at MalaMala is just one of countless examples of the strength and sensitivity of these majestic creatures.
Pieter was very lucky to have been able to capture such a vulnerable moment in the wild. His footage reminds us of the deep, nurturing bonds in the animal world and that in the wild, love, patience and protection shape life from an animal’s very first steps.