Watch The Sighting Here:
This video was submitted to Latest Sightings by our regular contributor, Deon Kelbrick. He witnessed this special occasion while on a game drive in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
Welcoming A Newborn
As Deon’s video begins, a female buffalo inspects her newly born calf, which lies curled up at her feet.
Wet Behind The Ears
Only minutes old, the calf is still soaking wet, covered in amniotic fluid. Its mother stands protectively over it, as Deon and his guests look on from their vehicle nearby.
Survival Priorities
Naturally, the calf is especially vulnerable at this time. While it can no doubt count on its mother for protection, the scent of afterbirth could easily attract predators.
As a result, there are two urgent priorities. The first is to rid the calf of the scent of amniotic fluid. The second is for the calf to rise to its feet and learn to walk.
As the mother begins to lick her calf clean, the youngster tries to get to its feet. While both act instinctively, the calf’s efforts are more a case of trial and error.
Try, Try, And Try Again
Time and again, the calf tries to get its hind legs under its body. However, to begin with, it is too uncoordinated.
Repeating the process several times, it starts to get the hang of it, but its hind legs initially lack the strength to raise the hindquarters.
All the while, the mother continues to clean her calf, at times inadvertently knocking it back to the ground.
Success!
After several minutes, the calf finally manages to get up on all fours. Here, too, the calf is repeatedly let down by its wobbly, little legs and lack of coordination.
But with each attempt, it is getting better, and before too long, it will be able to stand quite comfortably.
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Forming A Bond
While all this is happening, the mother and calf are bonding. Forming this connection will be vital if the calf is to survive to adulthood.
Not only will she be its primary protector, she will also provide it with milk for the first year to eighteen months of its life.
Now clean and on its feet, the calf takes its first tentative steps. Then, instinct kicks in.
The calf can smell the milk in its mother’s udder. Tottering as it goes, it makes straight for her teats.
In no time at all, it takes its first drink of protein-rich and highly nutritious milk.
Then, having tasted its creamy richness, the calf doesn’t let the mother stray far, taking every opportunity to drink. From the day it is born, the calf must keep up with the herd as they move in search of food.
Life Cycle Of A Cape Buffalo
Cape buffalo gestate for 11 months, giving birth to a single calf. They reach maturity between 3 and 5 years of age.
Young males will typically leave to form bachelor herds, while females generally stay with their natal herd for life. Wild buffalo may live for up to twenty years.