WATCH: Pure joy as elephant herd welcomes newborn calf with love and trumpets
A herd of elephants came together in celebration after a female member of its herd gave birth to a healthy calf.
Image: Unsplash
The saying, "It takes a village to raise a child," truly encapsulates the essence of elephants.
This sentiment has resonated with netizens after a touching video of an elephant giving birth went viral, capturing the hearts of millions.
Shared on X by @AMAZINGNATURE, the video has amassed over 16.8 million views, showcasing the incredible bond within a herd of elephants.
The video is captioned: “An elephant gives birth, then the whole herd comes over to greet and protect.”
Tourists on a safari game drive were fortunate enough to witness this precious moment, marking the beginning of life for a newborn calf.
On a drizzling day, a female elephant is seen giving birth, and as the calf drops to the ground, a herd of elephants approaches to surround the mother and her calf for protection.
In a moment of celebration, the elephants blow their trunks, reminiscent of trumpets heralding new life.
“They are celebrating that now there is someone in the kingdom,” a guide can be heard saying in the background.
According to EleAid, elephants blow their trunks for various reasons, including communication, social interaction, and even for fun.
The sounds produced can range from low rumbles to high-pitched trumpets, signalling excitement, distress, aggression, or even serving as a greeting or display of affection.
This heart-warming moment has sparked a wave of comments from netizens worldwide, highlighting the deep connections within elephant communities.
@SlimeAbudu remarked, “Childbirth is a big deal for the family; the herd, especially the matriarch and other females, helps care for the calf, providing protection and support.”
Another user, @ShowN0Luv, expressed, “🥹 a mother in every form is so beautiful.”
@planetclarke added, “the way they immediately surround the baby and start protecting it while they’re still cheering is SO crazy… like what an incredible, beautiful animal.”
Meanwhile, @DrCatharineY noted, “Elephants are the most majestic animals. Their temporal lobe - the area of the brain associated with memory - is larger and denser than that of humans. Plus, they are highly empathetic and protective animals. We can learn from them.”
Elephants are highly social creatures with complex family structures and strong social bonds.
Typically led by a matriarch, they live in close-knit family units consisting of related females and their young.
These groups cooperate in raising young, finding food and water, and defending against threats.
All members of the female herd participate in the care and protection of calves, with some taking on specific roles as "allo-mothers" who assist in the daily care of the young.
This remarkable community spirit showcases the profound connections that exist within elephant herds, reminding us of the importance of family and support in the animal kingdom.