Impi the Impala
TEXT AND PHOTOS by Angelika Wohlrab
This book was designed to entertain and inform young readers
but also to encourage older ones
to take another look at nature
albeit through the eyes of the author/photographer
Acknowledgement - Some of the photos used in this collection are contributions by my daughter and son-in-law, Putzi (Natascha) & Quinton Andrews
(6 & 25 respectively; others 5).
I
dedicate this book to them.
Contents:
1 - The Birth of Impi
2 - Meeting other Animals
3 - Facing a Giant
4 - Smaller Creatures
5 - Different Species
6 - Gathering Information
7 - Life at the Water
8 - Relating to Nature
9 - Exploring further
10 - Danger lurking
11 - Darkness Settles
12 - The Aftermath
13 - Facts of Life
14 - Socially Inclined
15 - Related Issues
16 - A merciless Disposition
17 - Impi's Vision
The Birth of Impi
After the first
drenching rain of summer, the environment appeared to explode. Fresh grass sprouted and every bush flaunted a new coat of luscious green leaves. As a result, the pressure of finding adequate food to survive stopped being a matter of concern for herbivorous animals.
Now that nature could amply provide for the influx of a new generation, the pregnant
impala ewes no longer felt forced to suppress the urge of giving birth. They retreated to patches of soft grass amongst dense bushes, where the newborns would be better protected.
Although impalas carefully select sheltered hideaways for their offspring, they remain alert because danger never stops lurking. All antelopes are aware that part of life in the African bush includes
ferocious carnivores like
lions.
Also constantly hovering are scavengers, such as
hyenas, which are permanently on the prowl for vulnerable prey.
Since infant impalas are even more vulnerable right after birth than other newborn animals, their mothers attempt to keep their arrival a secret from the outside world. Amongst those quivering on shaky legs was an
impala youngster, who refused to surrender to an innate feeling of weakness. From the outset, the little fawn revealed a rebellious spirit, and was duly named 'Impi' - he who fights relentlessly.
Once impala infants are able to walk, they nonetheless remained huddled together. To also prevent the young ones from straying, the nervous females take turns to keep a watchful eye over their precious
creche.
When one day the penetrating whistle of the
resident male alerted his herd, young Impi was alarmed. Without further ado, he rushed towards his mother. Fearfully the females tried to determine if the father of their offspring had detected a genuine threat. Luckily it turned out to be a false alarm, so the herd settled back to a relaxed rhythm of feeding.
Although Impi was aware by now of how skittish impalas can be, he had no idea yet what 'being in danger' entailed. Instead of feeling concerned, Impi dreamed of growing up - which included becoming an agile antelope - to gracefully leap high into the air and soar effortlessly over obstacles.
Able to sense what her infant son was contemplating, Impi's mother fervently hoped that her son's dream would come true. Only adults like her were aware that wild animals existed, for whom the likes of Impi represented as tasty a morsel as the
colourful birds around devoured insects or seeds.
Some of the PHOTOS featuring in other Chapters:
End
After the first drenching rain of summer, the environment appeared to explode. Fresh grass sprouted and every bush flaunted a new coat of luscious green leaves. As a result, the pressure of finding adequate food to survive stopped being a matter of concern for herbivorous animals.
Now that nature could amply provide for the influx of a new generation, the pregnant impala ewes no longer felt forced to suppress the urge of giving birth. They retreated to patches of soft grass amongst dense bushes, where the newborns would be better protected.
Although impalas carefully select sheltered hideaways for their offspring, they remain alert because danger never stops lurking. All antelopes are aware that part of life in the African bush includes
Since infant impalas are even more vulnerable right after birth than other newborn animals, their mothers attempt to keep their arrival a secret from the outside world. Amongst those quivering on shaky legs was an impala youngster, who refused to surrender to an innate feeling of weakness. From the outset, the little fawn revealed a rebellious spirit, and was duly named 'Impi' - he who fights relentlessly.
Once impala infants are able to walk, they nonetheless remained huddled together. To also prevent the young ones from straying, the nervous females take turns to keep a watchful eye over their precious creche.
When one day the penetrating whistle of the resident male alerted his herd, young Impi was alarmed. Without further ado, he rushed towards his mother. Fearfully the females tried to determine if the father of their offspring had detected a genuine threat. Luckily it turned out to be a false alarm, so the herd settled back to a relaxed rhythm of feeding.
Able to sense what her infant son was contemplating, Impi's mother fervently hoped that her son's dream would come true. Only adults like her were aware that wild animals existed, for whom the likes of Impi represented as tasty a morsel as the colourful birds around devoured insects or seeds.
