A tragic scene unfolded near Crocodile Bridge in Kruger National Park, where wildlife enthusiasts witnessed a mother giraffe’s desperate attempt to protect her newborn calf from a relentless group of predators.
The event was documented by Stef Botha, a 30-year-old freelance guide, and Tania Lodder-Kotzé, who shared their experience with LatestSightings.com.
A day before, reports circulated on a WhatsApp group that a mother giraffe had given birth, but the calf was struggling to stand.
Stef visited the area the next day and found the mother giraffe standing guard over her lifeless calf, approximately 3 kilometers from the Crocodile Bridge gate.
Over five hours, Stef captured the heart-wrenching moments as the mother giraffe fended off lions, hyenas, and jackals.
Giraffes have a gestation period of about 15 months, making the loss of a newborn an incredibly devastating event. Throughout the night, the mother giraffe valiantly defended her calf from predators.
She managed to chase away a hyena, only to have jackals approach and begin feeding on the calf—a distressing sight for those who witnessed it.
At around 11 am, a lioness arrived on the scene, prompting the mother giraffe to continue her efforts to protect her calf.
However, when a male lion appeared, the mother giraffe, likely sensing danger to her own life, made the difficult decision to walk away. The male lion then seized the calf and disappeared into the bush.
Stef reflected on the importance of patience when observing such events, as they offer valuable insights into animal behavior.
Tania Lodder-Kotzé, another witness, described the newborn calf’s struggles, noting that it could not stand and repeatedly fell.
The onlookers could only watch as the calf, possibly injured during birth, attempted to rise but failed each time.
A vulture circled the area during the ordeal, but the mother giraffe successfully chased it away. She also managed to fend off a pair of jackals on several occasions.
Despite her efforts, the calf did not survive the night, and by morning, the lions and hyenas had claimed the lifeless body.
Tania shared the emotional toll of the experience, as each attempt by the calf to sit up sparked hope, only for it to fall again.
While the outcome was heartbreaking, Stef and Tania expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to witness the raw beauty and struggles of the animal kingdom in Kruger National Park after three years away.
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