Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Field guide Mrisho Lugenge and his guests enjoyed a very special moment at MalaMala Private Game Reserve. While on a game drive in the north of the reserve, Mrisho spotted a female wildebeest in labour.
Hoping to see the cow give birth, he recorded the full sighting!
That looks odd
Mrisho said, “As we were approaching the herd I noticed something I’ve never seen before! At this very moment, I realised that this individual was giving birth!!”
The female in question had part of its intact amniotic sac protruding. Moments later, the sac ruptured, revealing the protruding hooves of the unborn calf.
In the throes of labour, the cow lay down and arose repeatedly. Eventually settling in a shaded area, her calf began to emerge.
Moment of birth
The cow again stood up once the calf’s upper body emerged. From this position, she was able to finally give birth.
First time seeing her offspring
As the calf dropped into the soft grass, the mother turned to take her first look at her newborn.
Due to blood loss and other scents, an important first step in motherhood for wildebeests is to clean the calf. By doing so, it reduces the chances of predators detecting the vulnerable pair.
On your feet. Quickly!
Furthermore, in order to avoid predators, suckle and keep up with its mother, the calf needs to get to its feet quickly.
On wobbly legs, the calf instinctively rises. Only to collapse back to the ground.
Well done, little guy
Eventually, the calf manages to stay on its feet and totters towards its mom.
While this happens, the mother’s imprints her scent on the calf. This is vital, for another cow will seldom allow a foal to suckle if it separates from its mother.
First steps
Wasting little time, the mother knows she needs to lead her calf away from the birth site. Doing its very best, the newborn dutifully stays as close to its mom as its little legs can manage.
With every step it becomes more confident, instinctively following as she sets off to catch up with the rest of the herd.
Walk and then run
The ability to run is the next important lesson the calf learns. As mom picks up the pace, so too does the calf that is less than half an hour old.
Thirsty
Now entirely dependent on its mother, the calf’s instincts, once again, kick in as it starts looking for the cow’s teats.
Meanwhile, some of the older calves come over to inspect the new arrival.
Nursery group
As herd animals, wildebeest foals quickly join the nursery herd, which consists of their older peers. This affords them group protection by safety in numbers.
Therefore, from a very early age, the calf will forge bonds with its herd mates, enhancing the cohesiveness of the group in the future.
However, it will remain dependent on its mother for milk for about ten days before supplementing its diet with grass.
Suckling may continue until the cow gives birth to its next offspring.
Until then, the foal will enjoy her undivided attention.
Look out for the unusual
When on safari, it often pays to observe even commonly seen species. You never know what miraculous experience you might miss if you don’t.