The little rhino showed some birds who’s boss, clearing the area where he and his mom were grazing.
Watch The Sighting:
While the little guy got himself worked up, his mother grazed nearby, unperturbed by the birds’ presence.
Mother Rhino And Calf Graze Peacefully
There is nothing more tranquil than seeing a mother and her baby feeding together in the bushveld. This mother was unbothered as she grazed on the shrubbery and grass. Her calf, however, wasn’t as rested.
This was because there were many birds in the area, and possibly because he was a little bored with its mother taking her time to graze.
Birds Capture Little Rhino’s Attention
He inspected the area and, noticing some nearby water birds, started to chase them. This is not unusual behaviour for rhino calves, which are known for their jovial behaviour.
Rhino calves are playful and curious. They often run in circles, charge at small objects, and practice mock fights. These behaviours help them develop strength and social skills.
This small rhino ran in circles around mom, chasing the birds back and forth. All the while, the mother rhino didn’t even glance up. She was completely content while her calf ran laps around her.
Every now and then, he would pause, as though to catch his breath and gather his bearings.
As he ran back and forth, the birds took off at his approach and glided to settle down further along in the sandy area. He then turned to chase them from the new place where they had settled, and so the game continued.
Some Egyptian geese caught his fancy, and they too were the target of his lively conquests.
The small rhino was determined that grazing time would not be a serious affair. The pesky birds had him to own up to, and he ran around like a boss, playfully kicking up dust and leaving birds flapping in all directions.
Eventually, he seemed to settle somewhat and returned to Mom. In his running in circles, she remained the centre of his orbit. He kept returning to her, still very much dependent on her.
Despite his vigorous activity, she remained with her head down, happily grazing. The tiny rhino pulled alongside her, having had his run, and began to suckle.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Rhino calves will typically stay with their mothers for up to three years. During the first 12 to 18 months, they will nurse. After this time, they will graze, as the adults do.
During the nursing period, the mother is extremely protective and aggressive towards threats. Had anything threatened this little one, the mother rhino would have risen to the challenge in his defense.
The clipping captures the beautiful, wondrous nature of young animals, which, like children, are filled with a zeal for life and boundless energy. The rhino trotted his way through the bushveld as though it were a great adventure, and perhaps for him, it was just this.