Baby Animals of the Maasai Mara

Baby Animals of the Maasai Mara

Warning: High risk of a melting heart due to cuteness overload!

Having recently taken a photographic trip to the Maasai Mara National Park, Patrick Shah of Journeys Discovering Africa returned from Kenya with a handful of wonderful photographs of baby animals to share with wildlife safari enthusiasts and animal lovers alike.

All baby animals are endearing but we think there’s something extra special about those born from Africa’s wildlife.

Here are some photographs taken from Patrick’s most recent collection that show off the major cuteness levels of Africa’s baby animals:

Curious elephant calves

African elephant calf © Patrick Shah

Elephant calves are by far one of the sweetest baby animals to see in Africa. With such big personalities and an inquisitive nature, you’ll likely find them bouncing in the mud and playing with each other whilst Mom goes about her business. The Maasai Mara has witnessed an increase in the elephant population within recent years so you stand a good chance of coming across a herd with babies.

Cheeky ducklings

White-faced whistling ducklings © Patrick Shah

When not out on the water following Mom and Dad in a neat, single line formation, white-faced whistling ducklings are often hidden by their parents amongst the reeds and out of sight of lurking predators. These little balls of yellow fluff mimic the distinctive, high-pitched whistles of the older ducks in the flock albeit at a much cuter level.

Playful warthog piglets

Warthog piglet and mother © Patrick Shah

Warthog mothers give birth to up to eight piglets, which come out with orange fuzzy hair and spindly legs. From the time they start their lives in the African bush, all warthogs have their very own ‘television aerial’ tail. This thin, tufted tail can be seen moving briskly through the grass, which may help Mom spot her piglets if they run off too far.

Adorable hippo calves

Hippopotamus calf and mother © Patrick Shah

Born under water, hippo calves are real ‘water babies’! They usually spend the first year and a half of their lives swimming around and suckling their mothers from the safety of the water. It’s for this reason that newborn calves need to be able to hold their breath underwater for an incredible 90 seconds. Once fully grown, hippos will eat about 80 pounds (36 kilograms) of vegetation each day.

Sweet crocodile hatchlings

Crocodile hatchling © Patrick Shah

Despite those grizzly smiles and robust jaws of adult crocodiles, crocodile hatchlings are still considered by some to be cute. Contrary to how crocodiles are often depicted, mothers are very protective of their young. Mom makes sure her hatchlings stay close-by, so she can keep a watchful eye on them and, if necessary, protect them from sneaky predators looking for an easy meal.

Do you want to ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ at the real thing up-close from a game vehicle? Chat with us about booking a superb wildlife safari in Africa.

Posted by tfhadmin