Rare day time footage of an elephant preparing to take its first steps.
Christian and Ginette Leroy were in the right place at the right time when they captured this amazing event while in Chobi National Park, Botswana.
There can surely be no better demonstration of the loving nature of elephants than is witnessed and heard (put your sound on) in this footage; as the whole herd comes together to protect this new born elephant and encourage it to take its first steps in life.
For the first few days, the newborn is unsteady on its feet, and needs the support of its mother. It relies on touch, smell and hearing, as its eyesight is poor. It has little precise control over its trunk, which wiggles around and may cause it to trip.
By its second week of life, the calf can walk more firmly and has more control over its trunk. After its first month, a calf can pick up, hold and put objects in its mouth, but cannot suck water through the trunk and must drink directly through the mouth. It is still dependent on its mother and keeps close to her.
A new calf is usually the centre of attention for herd members. Adults and most of the other young will gather around the newborn, touching and caressing it with their trunks.
Christian and Ginette Leroy were in the right place at the right time when they captured this amazing event while in Chobi National Park, Botswana.
There can surely be no better demonstration of the loving nature of elephants than is witnessed and heard (put your sound on) in this footage; as the whole herd comes together to protect this new born elephant and encourage it to take its first steps in life.
For the first few days, the newborn is unsteady on its feet, and needs the support of its mother. It relies on touch, smell and hearing, as its eyesight is poor. It has little precise control over its trunk, which wiggles around and may cause it to trip.
By its second week of life, the calf can walk more firmly and has more control over its trunk. After its first month, a calf can pick up, hold and put objects in its mouth, but cannot suck water through the trunk and must drink directly through the mouth. It is still dependent on its mother and keeps close to her.
A new calf is usually the centre of attention for herd members. Adults and most of the other young will gather around the newborn, touching and caressing it with their trunks.
VIDEO
How sweet and nurturing these beautiful creatures are, very loving and caring. He will grow up to be a majestic elephant.
SUCH LOVE AND DEVOTION OF ALL IN THE TRIBE....AND YOU COULD SEE WHO MOM WAS....I FOUND MYSELF ROOTING FOR IT TO GET UP.....I ALWAYS WANTED A BABY ELEPHANT AS A CHILD...NOT EVER THINKING THEY GROW TO SUCH GENTLE GIANTS....A MUST VIEW....WISH YOUR SITE HAD A PINTEREST KEY SO I COULD SHARE ON MY ANIMAL SITE....
Were we, "humans" ever like this...perfect? If so, when did we lose it?
People do protect protect their own race as well as these animals.
Oh my that was the longest 9 minutes!
Wow so so amazing :) thankyou for sharing the beautiful news. I have never seen an elephant born before, oh they are so loving and gentle and supporting of one another. xxx
Hard to find words to express my feelings after seeing this video. Amazing, wonderful, God's gift!
It never does show when it finally goes to mum for a meal. so confusing for the wee thing.
That is so beautiful. To see how all of the elephants are so close knit & help support each other . What a beautiful sight. Thank you for sharing this with us.