We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Behavior

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Long Does It Take for Baby Animals to Get Moving?

Margaret Lipman
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 842
Share

When a baby takes his or her first steps, it's a momentous – and adorable – occasion that usually happens around the child's first birthday. For baby giraffes and zebras (and many other hoofed animals), this event is equally cute but arguably more important. Rather than waiting twelve months to stand up and start tottering along, these animals reach that crucial milestone within an hour of their birth – or sometimes even less.

Animals that can walk and feed themselves from a very young age are known as "precocial" animals (as in "precocious"). They all happen to be prey for other creatures, which explains why the ability to keep up with the group or pack is crucial just minutes after they come into the world. For example, wildebeests (also known as gnus) can walk almost immediately – an essential ability when it comes to outrunning lions, hyenas, and wild dogs.

  • Not only do giraffes take their first steps within an hour of birth, but they also drop six feet to the ground when they enter the world.

  • Zebras can usually stand up around thirty minutes after birth. Horses take an hour or two and typically master the skill of galloping within just 24 hours.

  • It's well known that pigs are smart – and so are piglets. Not only can they walk properly and have full motor control within eight hours of being born, but they can also grasp the concept of mirrors from six weeks. It takes human babies many months to understand reflections.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Margaret Lipman
By Margaret Lipman
With years of experience as an educator, Margaret Lipman produces thoughtful and informative content across a wide range of topics. Her articles cover essential areas such as finance, parenting, health and wellness, nutrition, educational strategies. Margaret's writing is guided by her passion for enriching the lives of her readers through practical advice and well-researched information.
Discussion Comments
Margaret Lipman
Margaret Lipman
With years of experience as an educator, Margaret Lipman produces thoughtful and informative content across a wide range...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.com/how-long-does-it-take-for-baby-animals-to-get-moving.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.