Touching moment: giraffes say goodbye to a deceased relative (3 photos + 1 video)

Category: Animals, PEGI 0+
20 October 2023

A video was filmed in a South African nature reserve that touches the soul. During the birth of the baby, the female giraffe died - and the rest of the giraffes saw her off on her last journey. This touching scene was recently captured by British photographer Callum Perry, who was traveling in South Africa.





28-year-old photographer Callum Perry from the UK recently traveled to South Africa and captured this rare moment in Marataba National Park. A group of giraffes approached a female who died during childbirth and said goodbye to her. They all gathered around the body, as if holding a funeral.

“I had tears in my eyes as I watched the giraffes approach the deceased female. It was one of the most emotional scenes I have ever seen,” the photographer shared.



The footage shows that the deceased female was surrounded by five giraffes. Some of them came up and made a farewell “bow” as a sign of their grief. By the way, scientists have already proven that giraffes are one of the few animals that mourn their dead relatives.

"Seeing this scene of farewell made me think about my life, and the beauty that I see every day. It reminded me that positive moments can be found even in the most difficult situations in life. I was honored to be there while the giraffes performed such a sensitive ritual "says the photographer.



Giraffes are indeed very compassionate. Zoe Muller, a biologist at the University of Bristol, saw a similar moment in Kenya. Then 17 female giraffes came to say goodbye to the deceased baby and support the mother. According to the biologist, the females remained next to her for two days, expressing their care and respect.

+1
Add your comment
  • bowtiesmilelaughingblushsmileyrelaxedsmirk
    heart_eyeskissing_heartkissing_closed_eyesflushedrelievedsatisfiedgrin
    winkstuck_out_tongue_winking_eyestuck_out_tongue_closed_eyesgrinningkissingstuck_out_tonguesleeping
    worriedfrowninganguishedopen_mouthgrimacingconfusedhushed
    expressionlessunamusedsweat_smilesweatdisappointed_relievedwearypensive
    disappointedconfoundedfearfulcold_sweatperseverecrysob
    joyastonishedscreamtired_faceangryragetriumph
    sleepyyummasksunglassesdizzy_faceimpsmiling_imp
    neutral_faceno_mouthinnocent

You might be interested in:
Registration