Mongolian herders use song and fiddle to bond mother camels with rejected calves

In Mongolia, a traditional practice called Khööslökh sees herders sing to mother camels that have rejected their newborn calves. The ritual aims to encourage maternal acceptance and ensure that calves receive the care they need to survive. Herders perform the songs alongside the morin khuur, a traditional horsehead fiddle, believing the music fosters an emotional connection between mother and offspring. The practice blends musical skill with an intimate understanding of animal behavior. UNESCO has formally recognized Khööslökh as a significant cultural tradition.