Last photos of Kenya’s ‘elephant queen’
An exclusive look at the last photos of F_MU1, one of the world’s rare super-tuskers, before she died.
Tag: ears
Regal
The lion’s mane is the most recognizable feature of the species. It starts growing when lions are about a year old. Mane colour varies and darkens with age; research shows its colour and size are influenced by environmental factors such as average ambient temperature. Mane length apparently signals fighting success in male-male relationships; darker-maned individuals may have longer reproductive lives and higher offspring survival, although they suffer in the hottest months of the year. The presence, absence, colour and size of the mane are associated with genetic precondition, sexual maturity, climate and testosterone production; the rule of thumb is that a darker, fuller mane indicates a healthier animal. The main purpose of the mane is thought to be the protection of the neck and throat in territorial fights with rivals.
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Info source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lion
Contorted
Giraffes give birth to live babies after 14 months of gestation. When a baby giraffe is born, it drops up to 6 feet to the ground and lands on its head. The fall does not hurt the baby giraffe at all but makes it take a deep, first breath. After an hour or so, the baby can walk on her own. When baby giraffes are born, the animals average 6 feet tall and can weigh anywhere from 100 to 150 lbs. Baby giraffes are considered fully mature, or adults, around the time they turn 4 years old. Baby giraffes will gain most of their height and weight in the first three years of life. Baby giraffes begin eating within the first hour of life. For the first four to six months, the babies drink milk from their mother. After that time, the babies begin eating leaves. Baby giraffes are cared for primarily by the mother, who normally gives birth to a single calf. So the mother giraffe usually has only one baby to take care of at a time. If a mother giraffe leaves for any reason, baby giraffes will wait in the same location until she returns. Female giraffes do, at times, create an animal daycare of sorts where one female will watch all the baby giraffes while the other females tend to other matters. Info source: https://sciencing.com/baby-giraffes-8632947.html
