Every year we anticipate certain events – the first rains, the first migratory birds etc.
One of the biggest events though, is the arrival of the first impala lamb. Some go so far as to place friendly bets on what date the first one will be seen. By some I refer to Head Ranger, James Souchon, who estimated the 10th November this year – close but no cigar…
This year, the date of the first sighting was the 9th November. Only a few hours old, it was a heart-warming sighting indeed!
A quick cellphone shot of the delicate lamb lying amongst the long grass along the dry riverbank.
When we found it, it was lying curled up in the shade amongst some long grass along the banks of a dry riverbed. This is a typical habitat for an impala to give birth, away from the herd. After a short while, the mother would rejoin the herd with the lamb, once it is strong enough to move around and even run with the group. Amazingly, a lamb can stand up within about 10-15 minutes of being born, with the ability to run just minutes after that. This advanced development at birth is an essential adaption to avoid predation. In contrast, predators’ young are born completely helpless and most are blind for their first week of life – hence the reason for using dens.
The tiny impala lamb, only hours old, takes some of its first steps right next to us.
From today onwards, the bush will begin to be filled with hundreds of impala lambs. The birthing period lasts about three to four weeks, in which almost all the lambs are born. Survival is tough as an individual lamb, hence the reason for synchronised breeding, ensuring the success of the population as a whole. Now we await the arrival of the first wildebeest calves and – arguably the cutest of the lot – the first warthog piglets!
Warthog piglets standing next to their mother. We await their arrival into the world for the season…
Take a look at the video of the impala lamb below:
Not a bad estimate James, such a lovely start to your summer thanks Pete 😊💕
Pete, I loved the video🤗
Hi Pete… you made my way! As we are being “locking down” everywhere, more or less, to see such a lovely and, as you rightly said, delicate small creature is a gift. It must be rewarding for you. I know there are so many predators around and it will be difficult for the lamb but so far it is alive and kicking. Big thank!
You made my day sorry I typed wrong
Loved the sound effects!
Truly amazing that they can walk/run so quickly after birth.
TOOOOOOOO cute! Thanks for this heartwarming post. Lovely to see life abounding.
Do you have a name for it ?
Like Kebab ?
Kebab The Lamb 😳😳😳😳
Congratulations, there’s nothing like new life! I’ve been fortunate enough to witness a few animal births whilst visiting Southern Africa and it’s always heartwarming. Looking forward to seeing many more……
Very sweet and exciting news!
And the breeding season begins!!
Sweet (and unfortunately for some of them, delectable) little lamb!
Hello Pete Thorpe, I’m a fan of Mapogos and I would like to know something about them !! How did “Kinky Tail and Mister T” manage to attack and kill a Manjingilane alone, since lions are always together?!?! The Majingilanes attacked “Kinky Tail and Mister T” !! Were in lesser numbers, because “Mister T and Kinky Tail” didn’t run away (The Majingilanes must have given notice that they were in the majority) !!! ??? Why didn’t they join the other brothers ??? Thank you =)
This tiny lamb is so sweet. And, yes, the piglets are really cute.
Fantastic. Summer is here. Did you hear the Woodlands or is it too early.
Not yet…
Too cute! Did you see mumma Impala come back to get her baby? So exciting, and warthog piglets are adorable!!!
Adorable, and that might be the cutest sound I’ve ever heard!
Such a beautiful sighting, new life is always inspiring. Fingers crossed for this little one and for all of the other lambs being born in the coming weeks. As always Londolozi, thank you so much.