While out on our daily rounds, we heard a strange sound from the bush. An animal in distress. Upon closer observation, we had noticed that one of the Nyalas on the farm was giving birth in the thickets outside one of our rooms. We did not want to get too close to her because she might be frightened off, but here are a few snapshots of the results. We witness a special moment between the mother when she first brings the newborn into the world.

Nyala’s only give birth to one calf at a time. The calf then remains in the thickets of the bush for 2 – 3 weeks (also known as “the lying-up period”) until it builds up enough strength to keep up with the adults. The mothers visit their young to feed them approximately every 2 hours. If the young feel threatened, they will instinctively flatten themselves into the thickets so that they are not visible.