Video: Giraffe Giving Birth
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An African safari is full of surprises – one never knows what is around the next corner! Ranger Wayne and his guests were given the surprise of a lifetime on this particular game drive as they witnessed the birth of a baby giraffe. We are so grateful that ranger Wayne captured the moment in this incredible video so that we could share in the excitement.
Guests Watch as Giraffe Gives Birth on Kariega Safari
A female giraffe does not give birth in a random place but chooses what is known as her calving ground carefully. She takes into account the vegetation and looks for protection from predators. She will usually return to this same place to give birth again, and it is quite possible that it is also the place where she was born because a herd can use the same calving ground for generations.
Guests Amazed at Giraffe Giving Birth
Giraffes give birth standing up. The baby giraffe’s head and hooves come out first, followed by the rest of the body, which then falls six feet to the ground with a crash. This rude, abrupt and dramatic entry into the world is absolutely necessary for mother and calf’s survival. This first fall breaks the amniotic sac, severs the umbilical cord and encourages the newborn giraffe to take its first breath.
Thereafter the mother will lick her calf clean and encourage it to take its first steps which should happen after 30 to 60 minutes. Within the first day the calf will be up and running.
Did you witness that birth of a wild animal on your Kariega safari? Tell us about on our Facebook page or share your pictures with us on Instagram.
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