We saw a Giraffe in a field nervously bending down , looking at something on the ground.  As we drove closer I thought she was standing over a log, but the log turned out to be a tiny baby giraffe. She bent down and gently nudged the calf,  looking around nervously.  There were 2 females and 1 male  lion in the grass patiently watching.   

   She paced around, nudged the  calf,  walked a few steps away , turned around and walked right back. She looked beside herself with grief.  She really did.  She carried the calf for 15 months and wasn't ready to leave it so soon.

 The Lions moved a little closer and she continued the cycle : nudge the tiny calf , look around,  pace back and forth , and repeat, over and over and over.   It was a heartbreaking scene to watch and I was praying she would leave. Finally she turned and walked away.

  The male lion approached the calf , put his giant paw on it and took a bite . The Giraffe turned around and ran back to protect her baby.  She charged at the Lion ,  screaming a mournful wail. She kicked at the Lion and he backed off, but only a little.   The 3 lions just waited. 

 This had been going on for a few hours.

 The sun was going down and finally she turned and left.  The lion went over to the calf and  started eating,   the Mother turned and gave 1 last look  before heading  off into the trees.