Viral Video of Rare Two-Headed Calf Shocks Internet

A recent TikTok video skyrocketed to viral status after a user shared the birth of a rare two-headed calf.

The condition of having more than one head is known as polycephaly. It is a result of the incomplete division of a single embryo or the incomplete fusion of two separate embryos. Both humans and animals can be polycephaly, however, it is extremely rare. Polycephaly is seen more in reptiles than mammals with snakes and turtles being the most commonly observed.

The polycephaly calf in the video was resting on the floor in the video. Her two heads are back to back, facing opposite directions. The calf looks to have four eyes, four ears, two mouths, and two noses. One look at her will leave you speechless, just as it did for viewers.

Users flocked to the January 14 TikTok video posted to the account @twoheaded.calf3, which to date has nearly 30 million views, over 4 million likes, and 39,300 comments. People are shocked, and also worried, about this rare baby.

Polycephalic animals have several challenges when it comes to both survival and development as many do not live long lives. The longest-living, two-headed cow was named Gemini and lived to be 17 months, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

The creator wrote in a separate video that the calf is still alive, but she is unable to eat or drink milk on her own. The creator's brother helped her by holding up the two heads and bottle-feeding them.

Although this beautiful calf has quickly gathered the attention of millions, she faces a long road ahead of her and viewers are rooting for her.

"Sending lots of love and well wishes to this precious little girl," wrote one viewer.

A separate comment reads: "Wow this made me emotional. Beautiful and nature is amazing."

Unfortunately, the mom has not been doing too well since the difficult birth. The creator wrote in the comment section of a separate video on Tuesday that she has a high temperature and that she needs medical help. They have already taken her to the vet, but it is looking like she might need surgery.

Newsweek reached out to @twoheaded.calf3 for comment. We could not verify the details of the case.

Correction 01/17/2024, 9:47 a.m. ET: This article was updated to clarify Gemini the cow lived for 17 months.

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