We do not get to witness the actual birth of this captivating newborn elephant calf. The precious newborn lies motionless in the brush and appears to be a stillborn. The mother is a few feet away presumably with her sister but facing away from the calf. The cameraman’s heat equipment shows signs of life in the newborn.
For a breath taking moment, it’s not clear if the mother recognizes that her calf is alive or if is she is preparing to walk away from the newborn thinking it is a stillborn. Our fear grows as the mother remains still and makes no indication of acknowledgment.
The mother shows us that she knows so much more than the researchers. She slowly turns and nudges the newborn with her foot and victoriously the newborn responds by raising its head and then makes valiant attempts to stand. The mother calmly remains beside the struggling calf, gently nudging its body until the calf stands on wobbly legs and tries to secure its footing.
There is joy in your heart to see it take its first steps and as the baby leans against Mother for support. The mother watches and waits and then slowly begins to lead the path while the infant gains its confidence and walks wobbly beside and beneath her.