Our Valentine's baby

Meet Valentine, our latest cria, born yesterday, 14 Feb.

He is the last baby of our oldest and most experienced mum, Beeghum, who now goes on to enjoy her 'pension plan' as the oldest, wisest, slightly crancky and beutiful dominant female that she is.

Just like Beeghum's previous baby, two year old Bakr, Valentine inherited his mum's stunning markings and banana ears. His brother is our junior stud and we'll see where this little guy gets up to. For now, he is our tiniest cria yet, but very lively and happy and with mum's plentiful supply of milk he won't be small for long.

Beeghum is such a great mum. So experienced and it's a pleasure to watch how carefully she takes care of her baby. she seems to know how little he is and makes sure she only takes him to the most sheltered areas.

Spot, who's one month old today, is pretty happy he now has a playmate and they had a short game of chasies before Valentine was even a day old.

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The birth

Yesterday, Beeghum made labour look like a walk in the... paddock! The rest of the herd camped nearby but were all very quiet and still, awaiting the birth.

Soon after Valentine was born, they all went to greet him and check him out.

One of our cats, Louis, was also present and an eagle showed up at the end, hopefully after the placenta and not the baby!

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The herd meets the new arrival

Llama slippers, thick covers covering a cria's toenails so mum doesn't get hurt during birth.

First kiss from mum

Louis

Valentine was feeding well within an hour.