I joined in as a small group quietly gathered just outside of Varty Camp. We were all hoping to catch a glimpse of a miracle that is commonplace in this amazing wilderness but seldom witnessed. The first breaths of life are an incredibly intimate exchange between mother and newborn and on this day we were lucky enough to be a part of a birth.
The lamb’s white hoof clearly visible, the first and not the last photograph taken of this youngster. Amy Attenborough
The mother’s first glimpse of her hard work over the gestation period. Simon Smit
The beautiful nyala found around camp have, over the years, become habituated to people. They gorge themselves on the spoils of finely maintained and generously watered gardens as a trade off between their instinct to flee and trust of people. This ‘acceptance’ of people allowed us the gap we needed to see this incredibly rare occurrence. A female had been seen acting strangely with an arched back and a raised tail, which led us to believe the time was near.
The cleaning process was incredibly special to witness. Amy Attenborough
One of the first attempts at standing up, we all have to start somewhere. Simon Smit
We tried to keep our distance as not to pressure the soon to be mother a great deal but stayed close enough to bare witness to the event. She ideally settled in a piece of bush that was open enough to watch the scene unfold.
Persistence. Amy Attenborough
If at first you don’t succeed… Amy Attenborough
After the better part of an hour we were getting restless when suddenly her tail shot up and she let out a discrete distress call, then another and promptly lay down. After looking back a few times and what seemed to be an intense contraction she then stood up at 13:35 leaving behind a brand new life, a young wet helpless nyala. Spinning around she sniffed the newborn inspecting it and then very carefully started to lick it. Cleaning it and forming a bond that will help ensure the youngsters safety.
Encouragement. Amy Attenborough
Success. Simon Smit
These first few tender moments shared between bewildered lamb and mother were special to bare witness to, the female paid us very little attention and gave us a rare insight into the process that takes place at the start of every new life. By 13:53 the vulnerable nyala attempted to get to its feet. After a few attempts and a few still words of encouragement from the enthralled onlookers the shakey youngster was taking its first steps by 14:00.
It does not take long out here for sense to become tuned into and the young nyala quickly became alert to any sudden noise. Amy Attenborough
The search for milk began. Amy Attenborough
The speed at which the newborn became confident on its feet blew us all away. We watched as the first few attempts at suckling were made. There was a slight bit of confusion as both sides of the mother were checked as instinct drove the lamb’s need for milk. It was at this point we decided to give the two animals some space to complete the initial stages of life. Walking away we all realized that what we had just experienced was a privilege and the intimacy of it all left us awestruck.
It continued until we left, the small nyala strengthening with every passing minute.
Written by Simon Smit
Photographed by Simon Smit and Amy Attenborough
Filmed by James Tyrrell
Incredible experience. So special to witness.
The miracle of birth and new life is a blessing to behold.
Thank you, Amy, Simon and James
So precious, a moment of joy added to our day.
It is a miracle for all life to be born . Not just humans
So sweet, thank you so much for sharing this very special moment.
Beautiful – thank you for sharing – what a super time of the year with all the young ones about.
Thank you for bringing “the wild” to us. Such a beautiful thing to watch – nature at its best.
This is a truly wonderful post, thank you for sharing it with everyone. Fabulous photos, and so wish I had been there to witness it personally. But this is the next best thing!