Lions, tigers, and bears. Oh my! But wait, there’s one more. Why, the black and white striped zebra of course. However this story is not for the faint of heart as we’ll take you through the frightening moment a baby zebra was attacked by a family rival. Hold onto the edge of your seats, folks, you’re in for a bumpy ride!
The Start
Welcome to the Etosha National Park in Namibia where the scene of the surprising attack of a baby zebra took place. The guilty party is the male zebra of course and his prey is his rival zebra’s foal.
The Start
Caught on Film
The entire disturbing attack was captured by a railway worker called Daniel Tjärnén. He was on vacation at the time, and has gone on to describe the exact moment as a “once in a lifetime sighting” to LastestSightings.com.
Caught on Film
Not What Was Expected
Tjärnén went on to explain that, “We were driving up to this waterhole, hoping to get some good sightings and especially hoping to see some predators.” That’s exactly what happened but probably not the way that was expected.
Not Expected
Not For The Weak Hearted
Thing is, you never know what’ll happen in nature, it’s not something one can predict. Lucky for us, it was all captured on film.
Not For The Weak Hearted
Say What?
“Instead of predators, we saw this dazzle of zebras drinking from the waterhole. We suddenly noticed that the one zebra was actively attacking a young foal. First, it was a bit shocking but then I thought – it’s the way of nature,” Tjärnén further explained.
Say What?
Not Your Typical Sport
Tjärnén had the wit and speed to immediately start filming the intense altercation and those who were also with him couldn’t believe their eyes.
Not Your Typical Sport
Just a Babe
Many of the onlookers desperately wanted to help the poor babe as they were frightened by what they were seeing, pretty sure all of us would be feeling the same way if the tables were turned. However, a rather unique twist of events unfolded, dashing their fears.
Just a Babe
Mama Bear
The baby’s mother was not so far away and saw her child getting attacked so she did what any mother would do, she went to protect her little one.
Mama Bear
Sparta!
The energy and ferocious nature of the mama zebra is like watching Gerald Butler scream, “This is SPARTA!” in the flick 300.
Sparta!
Don’t Mess with Me
The mother zebra uses all her wits and diverts the rival zebra’s attention away from the baby and out of the water. However the danger isn’t over just yet.
Don’t Mess with Me
Snap Back
However, the rival zebra doesn’t stay away for long and we watch as he rears his full attention back on the baby zebra.
Snap Back
Uh Oh
The male then approaches in a stalking struct the petrified foal with bared teeth, while his mother can gazes on on helplessly at the developing situation. But! What the mama does next is something you never imagined.
Uh Oh
Papa Bear
Picture this! Papa Bear, with all his might, sinks his teeth into the baby in a desperate attempt to save his son and send him to safety.
Papa Bear
Panic Room
As panic creeps in, the baby makes a run for it but luckily he runs straight to mama bear, as she’s anxiously waiting by for his safe return. I hope you’re sitting down cause what comes next is shocking.
Panic Room
Back Me Up
The babe does successfully leave the water and makes it to dry land, but at the same time he does that, he comes into direct contact with the male zebra’s teeth(!) as they graze its behind. Fear not, mama’s on the case.
Back Me Up
Justice is Served
As soon as the baby is away from any immediate danger, mama gears up to serve justice.
Justice is Served
Blind Rage
The audience is still mesmerized and turns jubilant as they watch mama bear launch a fierce attack on the rival zebra.
Blind Rage
Fleeting Moments
Sadly just as we though the baby was safe, he isn’t.
Fleeting Moments
Wrestlemania
As the mama zebra launches her attack, she takes out her baby at the same time!
Wrestlemania
Full Speed Ahead
The rival zebra doesn’t care though and he pushes forward, trying to attach the pair as best he can. However, unluckily for him, mama and son make a run for it. Leaving behind nothing but dust.
Full Speed Ahead
Run Forrest, Run
Not only are mama and son making a run for it, mama tries once more to ward off the vicious male zebra. Are you ready for what’s next? Think again!
Run Forrest, Run
So Close
That’s right, mama and son made it to safety while the big bully is left behind to deal with his broken pride.
So Close
Cheerio!
At least this story comes out with a happy story and boy, are we happy to hear it!
Cheerio!
Babe
Thing is, it seems like baby zebras lead a bit of tough life. Just take a look at this striped newborn taking his first wee little steps.
Babe
You Can Do It!
Luckily, mama is still there to comfort him on his journey, next to her still lies the protective membrane.
You Can Do It!
Humbug
The babe stumbles forward with every little step while his mother just watches on.
Humbug
Up and At ‘Em
While the baby really struggled to take his first steps, he did managed to succeed!
Up and At ‘Em
Oh boy!
Mama and baby appear overjoyed but wait, what’s next?
Oh boy!
Debut
What’s next is mama bear licking her baby’s body to help clean him up as he’s now successfully on all fours.
Debut
Hello, World
The little guy stands next to his mother with his expression seems confused! He’s never stood before.
Hello, World
Pride
While the babe might be confused, his mama is looking over him with nothing but pride in her eyes.
Pride
Walkie
It’s just unbelievable how baby zebras are able to walk almost immediately after being born! Think about it, human babies take months to do so.
Walkie
Welcome, Little Guy
Welcome to the real world now, little guy, just be happy you don’t have to pay taxes and hold a real job. ~Sigh.~
Welcome, Little Guy