An observation of a giraffe’s strange behaviour led to a jaw-dropping moment — one of the most unique birthing methods in the animal kingdom! A baby’s heartwarming first steps after an incredible 6 foot drop made this encounter truly special.
While driving around in Kruger National Park, Johan Van Zyl and his group from Wild Eye Safaris came across a female giraffe exhibiting behaviours that were “not normal”. At first, they couldn’t tell what was off about her body language and movement, but as they slowly approached, they quickly realized this female was giving birth!
The group was very mindful to give the mother lots of space as they observed this miracle, making sure not to add any stress to the situation. They couldn’t believe their eyes as they watched the baby emerge legs-first, and nearly an hour later, safely fall a great height to the grassy ground.
First Steps
After witnessing this incredible brith, Johan and his group patiently waited for another hour to witness the calf finally stand on its own legs. What they saw next, left them in awe.
“We watched as the little one struggled to take to its feet, wobbling and falling over. This was incredibly cute and heartwarming for everyone to see. New life had been witnessed, and it was amazing to see how active the little calf was from the get-go.”
The mother giraffe tried many times to help her baby stand. Like many other mammals, female giraffes will aid their young by licking them clean, nudging and prodding them, allowing them to struggle, and standing by for support – the whole process taking somewhere between 30 minutes to an hour.
After many unsuccessful attempts, the calf was finally able to stand up on its own. A short time later it took its first unsteady steps, nuzzling in close to its mother.
Johan and his group took this as their cue to leave and give the mother and baby some well-deserved space! They were very grateful to have witnessed such a rare moment, and knew that the ethical thing to do was to not add any more stress to the mother and baby giraffe.
Female giraffes usually give birth only once in their lives, making it an instance that is rarely seen by humans in the wild. Johan and his group couldn’t believe how lucky they were to have witnessed and captured this once-in-a-lifetime moment for safari-goers from start to finish!
Giraffes Giving Birth
After being pregnant for an average of fifteen months, a female giraffe will deliver her baby standing up. This particular position is used by mothers to remain alert to predators, to use gravity in assisting the delivery process, and to protect the long neck of the baby.
While being born, baby giraffes can fall 6 feet (sometimes even more) out of their mother’s womb, a unique and extreme way to enter the world. This fall, although scary, is crucial in breaking the amniotic sack and triggering the calf to take its first breath.
Vulnerable in the Wild
Living as prey in the African Savannah adds a lot of pressure to the already-stressful act of giving birth.
This added stress means that newborn giraffes must face several remarkable challenges including a 6 foot fall, as well as an immediate need to stand, walk and feed only hours after leaving the womb. Being born with open eyes and strong limbs helps them accomplish this incredible feat and allows them to escape any potential predators.
A Heartwarming End to a Wild Encounter
Luckily, this watchful mother and brave baby both came out of the ordeal healthy, and ready for the next chapter of their wild journey!
Because of the added stress faced by birthing giraffes, it is especially important to be mindful in respecting a mother giraffe’s space. Johan and his group did the right thing by approaching slowly, staying quiet, giving lots of space to the mother and baby, and not staying at the site for too long.