While on morning safari we were watching a herd of blue wildebeest with all the new calves frolicking around in the shade. We noticed a female looking distressed and when she moved, we could see why, she was giving birth! The amniotic sac was protruding with the shadow of feet inside.

Never staying still for long, she changed from standing to sitting to lying flat, all in an effort to maximise her efforts.

This is no easy feat as she has kept this baby inside for about eight and a half months with its birth timed perfectly with the other females. They all drop calves weighing in at about 20kgs (44lbs) within a few weeks’ time period to maximise the chances of survival.

With all her moving and stress, she stayed alert, looking around ready to react to the slightest sign of danger. We kept our distance as she drew support and comfort from the herd, including a few calves whose curiosity got the best of them.

With a powerful push, the amniotic sac broke, and we could see the head. She lay back down and with her sides heaving with the strain, made one final push, standing as her youngster broke free and fell to the floor.

Wet and confused, the newborn instinctively held itself up as its mother began sniffing and licking it, encouraging it to stand.

Wildebeest calves are able to stand and walk within only a few minutes of birth. The first attempt ended with a face to the grass, but the second attempt was far more successful. The little one shakily stood, getting used to its legs and with a bit of encouragement from mom and another youngster took its first steps in life after a measly 2 minutes after birth!

The newborn's steps became steadier and it instinctively tried to suckle (anything and anyone). Finally, its mom steered it towards her teats as they formed their bond during the first nursing.