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MATHILDA
Mathilda is the matriarch of Mama Afrika and the mother of Joy, the youngest surviving calf in the Ugab River.
When the original matriarch, Mama Afrika, died in 2014 the herd split. They seemed unable to decide who would take over the herd leadership. Mathilda was the head of one part and The Duchess was heading the other half. Sometimes they would meet and spend time together but then split again. What was going on?
It took about 1 ½ years for the herd to reorganize themselves. This is how important a matriarch is and how devastating it can be to lose her! Once the head of the family vanishes, the rest of the herd seems disorganized and it takes time until a clear leadership emerges.
Mathilda finally took over her position as the matriarch, although we have observed disagreements between her and The Duchess from time to time. It’s fascinating to watch!
Mathilda shows a special and very calm dominance. She often leads from the back and she seems to encourage other young females to practice leading. She is trusting and always stable in her mood. However, she carries the responsibility for the well-being of the entire herd. If her family is put into danger or faces a potentially dangerous confrontation, it becomes clear who the boss of the herd is and that she will stand between the danger and her family no matter what!
ID INFORMATION
NAME
Mathilda (Matriarch)
REF #
MA-4
MOTHER
-
HERD
Mama Afrika
SEX
Female
HOME
Ugab River
BIRTH
1975
AGE
45 years
STATUS
Alive
GALLERY
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