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7. No, you absolutely cannot poke it.
Wildebeest are renowned for their massive migrations across Africa, but their synchronized birthing season is just as breathtaking. In a mere three weeks, over 500,000 calves are born, outnumbering predators and enhancing survival odds.
Gestation lasts about 8.5 months, aligned with the rainy season so mothers access lush grasses and calves can graze soon. Calves arrive swiftly, standing and running within minutes—a vital trait for evading predators.
The mass births also prompt calves to form nursery groups, or creches, letting mothers feed while the young stay safe in numbers. This shared parenting style showcases the complex social networks within wildebeest herds.
