Amazing nature: Run to survive
In a land of dangers, plant-eating animals are always at risk, and never more so than at the time of their birth; out on the open they are vulnerable and there are few places to hide. But luckily some are born to run…
Out on the African plains life can get off to a shaky start. Millions of baby wildebeests, zebras and antelopes are born at the same time. All of them must struggle to their feet in minutes. They must master their legs and be ready to run with the herd. If they dont they will be picked off by predators like lions, cheetahs, or crocodiles.
Whatever their role in life, little ones will face one challenge after another, whether its trying to keep up with the herd during migration, getting stuck in the mud during a drought, being separated from its mother, panicking in bad weather, or even coming face to face with a predator.
The point will come in every young animals life when the skills it learned will be put to good use. One of the most powerful wake-up calls to the harsh reality of nature comes to a young wildebeest during its migration. A dramatic river crossing, where there are more than just fast currents and steep banks to deal with — a river teaming with crocodiles. One by one his herd mates are picked off by the great reptiles, but when his time comes he proves he was born to run!