Update: Hippo gives birth in Lake Panic Posted by Anton Crone on 16 June 2021 Tags:Hippos, Kruger National Park, lake panic Images of a baby hippo being born in Lake Panic, Kruger National Park were celebrated by Getaway viewers on youth day, and we have an update with new pictures of the mother and calf before and after the birth. The remarkable event was captured by Wendy Priilaid from the Lake Panic hide on 31 May. ‘Before the birth mama was floating around a little restlessly (9.09). Then she was napping briefly before the birth,’ said Sarah. ‘The first pic of the feet emerging was taken at 9.49.20, then mama submerged. At 9.50.18 the baby’s head popped up out of the water.’ Soon-to-be mom appears to be napping. Photo by Wendy Priilaid The baby hippo’s feet emerge. Photo by Wendy Priilaid The baby hippo emerges from the water after the mother submerged during the birth. Photo by Wendy Priilaid (above and below) It appears the mother is helping the baby by nudging it towards the bank. Photo by Wendy Priilaid Photo by Wendy Priilaid A close-up of the newborn addition to the pod. Hippo calves are incredibly cute. Photo by Wendy Priilaid Mother and calf take a rest after an eventful morning. Photo by Wendy Priilaid Hippopotamus’ typically give birth underwater, which helps the mother conserve her energy during the birthing process by alleviating weight. The average gestation period of a hippo is 243 days. Hippos produce no more than one calf every two years. Lake Panic is a favourite with wildlife photographers and birders. When there is little birding action (which is seldom) visitors can be entertained by the resident hippos that call the lake home. Lake Panic is located on the S42 near Skukuza on the road to the Nursery. Related Posts New Skywalk lookout point in the making at God’s Window in Mpumalanga 20 September 2021 A brand new development at God's Window on the Drakensberg in the Blyde River Canyon Nature... read more 63 penguins found dead at Boulders Beach with multiple bee stings 20 September 2021 A swarm of bees seems to have been responsible for the death of 63 African... read more Two alleged rhino poachers, including police officer, released on bail 20 September 2021 Two alleged rhino poachers, a police officer and a Chinese interpreter, have been released from... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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