GIRAFFE DEFENDS CALF<br />WITH VID<br />BY Mikey Jones<br />This is the dramatic moment a giraffe defends her calf from a pack of endangered wild dogs.<br />The giraffe can be seen using its long legs to fend off the predators.<br />The moment was caught on camera by Laura Dyer, 38, who filmed the drama in Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa.<br />Laura said: “A pack of African Wild Dogs had been on the move the whole evening, looking for prey. <br />"They had been very unsuccessful and were returning to their den site when they spotted a giraffe calf who had wandered away from its mother.<br />"Time was of the essence as they don't stand much chance against an adult, and this calf's mom spotted the dogs and immediately went running toward her calf. <br />"It was incredible, the mom slotted the youngster underneath her chest, where he fit perfectly along her body, and began to kick out and stamp her feet to chase away the dogs. <br />"It's very risky for dogs to approach an adult, as any kick would easily incapacitate or kill a dog. <br />"Mom defended her calf strongly, it was quite incredible to see. <br />"Wild dogs are incredibly rare and endangered due to a lack of space, as they need large home ranges. <br />"They are also very susceptible to diseases from domesticated animals. <br />"After a lot of stomping, the red Kalahari sands flying all over, the dogs realised the game was up and gave up on their quarry, moving off into the sunset in search of easier targets."<br />ENDS
