Each month, Bluedot Living will feature a photo essay by Yasmin Namini, a former Chief Consumer Officer at the New York Times, who is now traveling the world taking photographs. At Bluedot, we believe that celebrating the Earth’s most enchanting creatures, cultures, and landscapes will inspire us to help preserve them.
Whether nestled close to their mothers or testing the waters of independence, these little ones never fail to capture our hearts.
I've roamed the corners of our planet, and I can say without a hint of exaggeration that few sights are as heart-warming as wildlife youngsters in their natural environment. Whether nestled close to their mothers or testing the waters of independence, these little ones never fail to capture our hearts. This month, I'm delighted to share “Babies in the Wild” — a collection of photographs depicting the bond between mothers and their offspring in nature. These images celebrate the innocence and energetic spirit of wildlife babies, offering a glimpse into early life lessons and the tender, enduring bond between wildlife mothers and their young.
Tail Tag with Mom
As the sun was setting in Namibia's sprawling wilderness, we encountered a leopardess and her cub, originally spotted high up in a tree feasting on a kill. Eventually, they descended, strolled for a bit, and found a resting spot. On the ground, the cub was entranced by its mother's swishing tail — a playful interaction and tender moment between mother and cub. Fun fact: Mother leopards conceal their cubs, regularly moving them from one safe location to another. Cubs typically leave their moms at 2 years old, though they sometimes reunite, reaffirming the strong maternal bond.
Equipment, settings: Canon EOS R5; 1/500 sec; f/7.1; ISO 10,000
First Steps Under Watchful Eyes
On an early morning safari in Kenya, we stumbled upon a sight rarely seen — a jackal mother with her litter of pups cautiously venturing out from their den. With a watchful gaze that seems to count each little adventurer, mom keeps a close tally, making sure her little gang's all here for the day’s adventures. Fun fact: Jackal pups open their eyes after ten days and start to play outside their den at around three weeks. Mothers will move dens every two weeks or so to protect her pups from predators.
Equipment, settings: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV; 1/1,250 sec; f/8; ISO 500
Trunk-Assisted Baby Steps
Observing elephants is always a delight. We spent hours with an elephant herd in Tanzania that included several generations of adults and their calves. One elephant mom was particularly touching, as she gently guided her youngster down a small ridge with her trunk. How beautiful to observe these majestic creatures support their young, teaching them to master their environment step by step. Fun fact: Elephant herds are matriarchal societies where everyone helps raise young calves, and females remain with their mothers for life.
Equipment, settings: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV; 1/1,600 sec; f/5.6; ISO 4,000
Mom's Got Your Back
Wandering along a dusty road in South Africa’s Singita Sweni Game Reserve, we encountered a rhinoceros mother dutifully following her young calf. It's a casual yet protective stroll. Their synchronized steps symbolize the journey of growth and passage of wisdom from one generation to the next. Fun fact: Rhino moms are simultaneously fierce protectors and tender caregivers to their calves. Baby rhinos will remain with their moms up to four years or until mom is ready to give birth again. When the new baby arrives, mom pushes the older calf into independence.
Equipment, settings: Canon EOS 5D Mark III; 1/2,000 sec; f/5.6; ISO 400
Hippo Baby Hangout
On the banks of a Tanzanian river, a bloat of hippopotamuses congregates for an afternoon of foraging and swimming. Moms keep a close watch on the calves, while others enjoy a leisurely soak in the river. This scene captures the daily rhythm of hippos and their social connections. Fun fact: Although hippos spend most of their time in water, they can't swim or breathe underwater. But they can hold their breath for up to five minutes. Since mom spends most of her day submerged in water to stay cool, baby hippos nurse underwater.
Equipment, settings: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV; 1/2,000 sec; f/5; ISO 400
Snuggle Up, Antarctic Style
In the crisp embrace of Antarctica, two Gentoo penguin moms stand guardian over their nestlings, each with fluffy little ones snuggled in close. It's all about staying cozy and warm when you're growing up on ice. These moments highlight the resilience of maternal care in even the harshest environments. Fun fact: Gentoo parents are devoted caretakers. They build circular stone nests to secure their eggs and share incubation duties. Chicks stay in the nest for 30 days before joining other penguins in the colony.
Equipment, settings: Canon EOS 5D Mark III; 1/1,250 sec; f/5.6; ISO 400
Swan Family Stroll
Nature's family moments aren't just found in the wild; they're also in our own backyards. At my friends’ home in Stavanger, Norway, a swan couple shepherded their cygnets through a garden of blooming flowers, set against the beautiful fjord. This feathered family reminds us that wildlife wonders can be found close to home. Fun fact: Swan parents imprint on their cygnets. Imprinting is when babies program themselves to listen to mom’s every word and follow her around endlessly as they learn vital survival skills.
Equipment, settings: Canon EOS 5D Mark II; 1/160 sec; f/11; ISO 400
All photographs copyright Yasmin Namini.
