The circle of life in the wild is both beautiful and brutal. In this video, we bear witness to a baby giraffe’s first steps and then how it’s tragically killed by a lion a mere two hours after its birth.
The laws of the jungle are harsh but necessary.
Baby Giraffe Killed by Lion: The Attack
The video opens with a touching scene: a newborn giraffe taking its first steps under the watchful eye of its mother. These initial moments are a rare glimpse into the tender beginnings of a giraffe’s life.
However, the serenity is short-lived. Within hours, the vulnerability of the infant attracts the attention of two lions. The two predators make their attack, forcing the mother giraffe to flee and leaving the baby to an unfortunate fate.
The First Hours In a Baby Giraffe’s Life
The first hours of a baby giraffe’s life are crucial. They are moments filled with learning and instinctual development.
A newborn giraffe must quickly learn to stand and walk, essential skills for survival in the wild. These initial steps are wobbly and uncertain, but they are vital for the calf to follow its mother and escape predators.
How Big Are Baby Giraffes?
At birth, baby giraffes are already giants compared to human babies. They typically stand at about 6 feet tall and can weigh anywhere from 100 to 150 pounds. This size is necessary for their survival, as being taller helps them to quickly spot predators and also to nurse from their tall mothers.
Giraffe Gestation Period
Giraffes have one of the longest gestation periods in the animal kingdom, lasting about 15 months!
This extended period is necessary for the development of their large bodies and long necks. During this time, the mother must nourish and protect her developing calf, often while still fending for herself in a habitat filled with threats.
The Shocking Survival Rate of Baby Giraffes
In the harsh environment of the African savannah, only about 50% of these baby giraffes survive their first year!
However, those that survive past this vulnerable period have a higher chance of reaching adulthood. Giraffe mothers are fiercely protective, often fending off predators with powerful kicks that can be lethal. Additionally, giraffes are social animals, and the herd often helps in protecting the calves.
Bet You Didn’t Know This About Baby Giraffes
- Silent Communication: Baby giraffes are mostly silent, communicating with their mothers through subtle visual and olfactory cues.
- Unique Spots: Each giraffe’s spot pattern is unique, much like human fingerprints, and this helps them blend into their surroundings.
- Rapid Growth: In their first year, baby giraffes can grow an inch every day, quickly reaching heights that offer better chances of survival.
Baby Giraffe Killed by Lion: Wrapping Up
As heartbreaking as the video from Shamwari Private Game Reserve is, it’s the circle of life – lions need to eat too! Without prey for predators, the whole ecosystem om the savannah would collapse.
Thank you for reading this article about the baby giraffe that was tragically killed by a lion only moments after its birth! For more news about the world’s tallest animal, take a look here:
- The Incredible Discovery of a Second Spotless Giraffe Amazes Scientists
- Giraffe Confused When Celebrated with Happy Birthday Song
- Watch a Curious Giraffe Inspects Baby Deer
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