The morning herds were coming in to drink , when we noticed this cow on her own , backed away and isolated from the rest, it became apparent that something had happened as there were vultures circling. The night before we had had lion around the camp, the impact of their roars as always awakening the very core of my soul
The young cow started to run out the bush chasing the vultures away, and on getting closer I realized she had a young one that could have only been a couple of hours old maximum
I think, concerned by the way the predators were gathering and worried they might bring more, she started trying to throw or hide the after birth away, and at one stage she even had it in her mouth and looked like she was going to eat it all
At some Point the Jackals managed to get hold of it and dragged it away from her, and then pandemonium as everyone fought for the scraps
I later saw the little calf that afternoon , his umbilical cord still attached, already dusty and steady on his legs, the incredible ways of nature,
Another African experience that will sit deep within me for ever
"Tread Lightly on the Earth"
Will Maberly
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