When we were little, learning to walk was a milestone we all had to achieve. Human babies, born vulnerable and dependent, take months to gain independence and attempt their first steps. However, for some animals, such as elephants, learning to walk is necessary right after birth.
According to Healthline, human babies typically start walking between 8 months and halfway through their second year of life.
They develop gradually, learning to push up, crawl, and stand before taking their first steps. In contrast, elephants embark on this journey much sooner.
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A fascinating video showcases a newborn elephant and its mother working to help the calf take its first steps.
Unlike human babies, who take up to a year to walk, elephants are encouraged by their mothers to walk immediately after birth.
Newborn elephants experience a three-foot fall during birth and must stand up and walk immediately.
The birthing process for elephants lasts several days, with the amniotic sac cushioning the calf’s fall if it doesn’t burst during labor. Imagine falling three feet as a newborn, then being expected to walk!
In the video, the mother elephant uses her trunk to support her trembling calf as it stands for the first time, adjusting to the sensation of carrying its 165-pound body.
While it might seem harsh for mothers to push their babies to walk so soon, it is a necessary survival skill.
Elephants give birth in the wild, where predators like lions could lurk nearby, and walking early offers a critical advantage.
Elephants, like humans, need encouragement as they learn to walk. The calf’s mother, aunts, sisters, and matriarch play crucial roles in its development.
The herd adjusts its pace to accommodate the young, who learn about their environment and the edible plants by observing their elders.
Mother and aunt elephants maintain constant, affectionate contact with the young, providing guidance and assistance.
Watch the video below:
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