While on a safari, David Xing captured the incredible moment of an elephant being born. The moment the elephant was born the entire herd started to celebrate and stand around the calf in a protective way.
David Xing was front and centre for the birth of an elephant calf. The experience was incredible and he managed to get the entire thing on camera. He shared the video on YouTube earlier in January 2018 and people are in awe of it.
Did you know: Female elephants give birth every five years or so, and continue to mate until about the age of fifty. The female elephant’s pregnancy will last up to 23 months, which is longer than any other animal.
The elephants in this video trumpeted in celebration and then made a protective barrier around the new calf. This is done to protect the newborn from any predators that may be lying in wait. It is assumed that the elephants toss mud and dust into the air to cover up the scent of the blood but as this video was taken in the pouring rain, we can then assume that would sort the scent out.
The mother used her trunk and foot to try help the newborn onto his feet. The entire video is unbelievable, there is something so beautiful about introducing new life into the world.
If you are a bit squeamish jump to the 30-second mark and you will miss the actual birth but get to see the herd celebrate and welcome the calf.
“On a safari drive in Chobe National Park, we witnessed a pregnant elephant giving birth. This was unplanned and our group happened to be at the right time at the right place. Post birth celebration and protection from potential prey by the elephant herd is spectacular!”
by 