Newborn Elephant : Kruger National Park

During our stay at Balule Camp, Kruger National Park, Oct 2018, we were blessed with a rare glimpse into the loving and tender welcome to a newborn calf by the herd, and managed to video the miraculous first 3 hours of the little bull’s life as he learnt to stand, wobble, walk and flap his ears under the gentle and protective guidance of his Mum and family.

That morning, the herd were ambling around the camp, and at urgent trumpeting and calls from the herd, we rushed to the fence, to find the little miracle having just been born. He must have arrived suddenly, as there was no other sign in the behaviour of the herd that a birth was expected. They were walking past the camp.

We hope the video does convey the tremendous affection, protectiveness, encouragement and patience offered to the little one during this period. It was a once in a lifetime experience, as elephant births are not often witnessed; we were left filled with sentiment and wonder at the miracle of birth and of new life.

There is no sound, as the entire time after the birth was quiet. Only the females, and one young bull, that attended to the calf, were allowed close to the birthing area, the rest of the herd remained some metres off and watch from there.

We videoed from inside the camp. The video is 15 minutes long. Sound is not included because of the quiet discussions of others watching the event being caught on camera.

Watch my other video; Baby elephant falls into dam ... does he get out?
   • Baby elephant falls in water hole in Kruge...  

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