Page 26 - Family like us Deon Final Final draft

The breeding herd is a matriarchal society.

Females live in herds of related individuals: sisters, aunts and mothers. The oldest female,
known as the matriarch, leads the herd. Since they are long-lived animals they acquire
knowledge through experience and learning. The matriarch being the oldest has the broadest
cultural knowledge. She knows the routes to water and good feeding areas and where to go to
when times are tough.

Young males leave the breeding herd when they reach puberty at about 12—14 years.
Young females practice allomothering. They will help to guide calves, teach them what to eat and
to protect them just like the mother would. This is a valuable support system for the young
calves and it is also a teaching ground for the younger females what to do when they become
mothers themselves.