Climbing On To Heaven’s Stairway
Animals have a distinct ability to amaze us with their natural abilities. Whether it’s their uncanny ability to accomplish the near-impossible, or simply impress us with their physique is all the evidence we need of their pure awesomeness. Interestingly enough, goats deserve more talk when it comes to cool animals that can impress.
One of their most underrated characteristics is their ability to climb mountains and slopes. Take for instance, the Alpine ibex, which is a species of goat that dwell in the European Alps. Originally only located in Italy and the French Alps, it seems the group have relocated to areas particular in Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, and Slovenia.
A video presentation demonstrates the raw and incredible ability that these goats possess to be able to climb at such a slant. We can see the Alpine ibex goats climbing what looks like the Cingino dam in northern Italy. One thing to note is that we can only see female goats making the climb with their offspring, however, there’s not spotting a male goat in sight.
“They’re famous for being really good climbers but that’s something else, that is really extraordinary,” says zoologist Lucy Cooke on BBC.
So then why the peculiar tactic? Well, the answer lies in the ability of the species to survive. The reason why these female goats take upon the climb during the springtime is that they need to be supported by the salt and minerals contained in order to help stimulate their nerves and muscles. This is especially important for female goats because their body is needing these nutrients right after giving birth and feeding its baby.
“There’s a strong bond between mother and kid,” says the narrator in the video, “and the kid will follow her wherever she goes.”
Don’t Look Down Now
The goats live on grass and have to feed themselves in order to withstand the brutal cold season. Their herbivore qualities limit them strictly to a plant-based diet, and so they must be quick and efficient when the supply is available.
The relationship between mother and child is near impossible to break. That is why there’s been no notice or advisory of an ibex ever falling off from the dam wall. The incredible journey involves a dam, a hydroelectric power plant about 40 meters tall, which is about the height of a 12-story building.
The wall of the dam is covered by a strong, hardened concrete which is composed of ettringite at 20 percent. Ettringite is a calcium-aluminum mineral that is excreted by concrete and licked by the goats in order to gain the necessary nutrients. The goats use the footing of the small boulders to lick the ettringite when they have a chance.
The entire climb is definitely a difficult process for the ibex to achieve. Young goats, in particular, tend to struggle learning where to get their hooves in the right place to get the right grip. It’s challenging at first, but after a few tries, the goats begin to build their confidence in knowing they can definitely topple the obstacle.
The truly special climbing capabilities that these goats possess will marvel you to the very end of their journey. It’s captivating to see such powerful grit and determination be exemplified in such a natural state. Make sure to catch the inspiring climb in the video below!
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