
Elk Birth Sequence (26 images)
This Gallery contains a series of images of the birth of an elk calf in the Gardiner Canyon one late May morning in Yellowstone. It took 3 hours from when the little feet first poked out until the calf was able to nurse. The instinctive bonding which occurred between mother and calf was wondrous and will always be one of my favorite Yellowstone memories.
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feet_first.jpg
Just the bright yellow front hooves peeking out...
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next_the_nose.jpg
Now the nose and front legs appear.
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push_1.jpg
Can't you just feel her pushing!
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push_2.jpg
One final push.
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surprise.jpg
What is that???? What just happened?
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sack.jpg
Don't really know why, but I think this is what...
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sack_2.jpg
Goodness, there is a baby in there!
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first_kiss.jpg
The licking is bringing it to life.
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hello_world.jpg
Hello world! I like this licking.
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tender_moment.jpg
I am starting to dry and get accustom to this.
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1_encouragement_1.jpg
A little more encouragement is helpful.
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kiss.jpg
And another kiss helps too!
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first_attempt.jpg
What in the world are these things for?
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5encouragement_5.jpg
They don't seem to want to hold me up! What do...
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3encouragement_3.jpg
Let me think about this.
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resting.jpg
I think a nap will help, I am very tried from...
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4encouragement_4.jpg
Come on, lets try it again.
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affection_returned.jpg
Let me kiss you too!
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6encouragement_6.jpg
All four together now!
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attempt_2.jpg
These things are just in the way!
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attempt_3.jpg
You are almost there!
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2encouragement_2.jpg
Yes, you did it!
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made_it.jpg
You did it, you did it!
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success.jpg
Once this far, I know right where I want to go!
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full_tummy.jpg
I feel good and very content.
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calf_closeup.jpg
What's up for tomorrow?