A small springbok baby is seen struggling to get out of a dam at a zoo. Its mom helps it out of the potentially dangerous situation, but as soon as she leaves, a massive marabou stork edges closer.
It snaps at the baby springbok, perhaps intending to make a meal out of it? With its massive beak it pushes the baby springbok into the dam, and because the springbok baby hasn’t learned how to swim yet it tragically drowns soon after.
Are Marabou Storks Carnivores?
Marabou storks are not strict carnivores but are opportunistic feeders that consume a wide range of food, from carrion and small animals to insects. Occasionally, they even munch on other birds!
This adaptability in diet highlights the marabou’s role in its natural habitat as a cleaner of the ecosystem, though it also underlines the potential danger it can pose to more vulnerable animals when their paths cross in unnatural settings like zoos.
A Stork with a Massive Stature
The marabou stork’s imposing presence is undeniable. In the video, its massive size is emphasized as it stands nearly as tall as the adult springbok.
Adult marabou storks can reach heights of up to 5 feet and weigh between 11 to 20 pounds. Their wingspan is one of the largest among birds, extending up to 10.5 feet, enabling them to soar with ease across the skies.
The Baby Bokkie Fighting For Its Life
Springbok calves are known for their vulnerability in the early stages of life, relying heavily on their mothers for protection and guidance.
Additionally, their inability to swim is a critical disadvantage, rendering them helpless against more adept or aggressive animals.
This tragic incident showcases the dire consequences of such helplessness, spotlighting the need for carefully considered zoo habitats that account for the innate abilities and limitations of every species housed within.
Should They Even Have Been Put In the Same Cage?
The decision to house marabou storks and springboks together brings to the forefront the zoo’s responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all animals in its care.
Considering the tragic outcome, it makes us question whether sufficient thought was given to the potential conflicts between different species when planning this enclosure. This incident underscores the importance of reevaluating enclosure designs and safety measures to protect vulnerable species from unintended harm.
Baby Springbok Killed by Marabou: Conclusion
The untimely demise of the baby springbok at the beak of a marabou stork is a somber reminder of how many factors need to be considered when planning the layout of a zoo. Understanding the different behaviors of different species is crucial before making them live side by side.
Thank you for reading this story about the baby springbok that was killed by a marabou stork! For similar articles, take a look here:
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