Share this article:

A morning with speedy spots

on Dec 08, 2020

A couple shades of grey take to the morning sky masking the emerging sun. After having quite a large storm the previous night, the morning was overcast.

Setting out on an early morning drive, I went in search of a few bird species to photograph. The bright electric blues of the Woodland Kingfishers added a pop of colour to the morning and the return of the Red-backed Shrikes brought a smile to my face.

However, the morning felt still. As the wind picked up animals seemed to have evaporated from every two track I drove. I parked the vehicle to listen for a short while.

A strident shriek of the Crowned Lapwing emerges from the open are nearby. Increasing aggression and agitation fuelled my interest. The alerted snort of a wildebeest broke through the Lapwing’s displeasure; I knew we were onto something.

Round the corner towards an open grassland lay three cheetahs - a mother and her two cubs. I acknowledge how wonderful this cool weather is for them. They lay out in the open, staring at the wildebeest, shocked at his disapproval of their presence. They soon gave way and put some distance between themselves and the grassland beast.

01Ally Ross 20201202 Cheetah And Cubs 01  Final

The mother, who seems to always be at attention, scans the area after a distant sound made her ears prick. I think to myself that she seems intent on finding a meal today. Her cubs on the other hand, although they look as though they may be getting the hang of the ever elegant presence of a cheetah... they are far more interested in rough-housing one another in an attempt to hone their hunting skills.

02Ally Ross 20201202 Cheetah And Cubs 04 Final

It's during this stage of the young cubs’ lives that they become increasingly active and playful, especially with one another. Trees and termite mounds provide great observation points, an activity that mom seems to do more of, while her young ones use this time to gallivant up and down, developing their balancing skills. This sort of sibling bond may very well last a lifetime and learning to hunt through play will take them through their adolescent years.

But for now, they will continue to learn by mom’s side until they are old enough to venture off by themselves.

03Ally Ross 20201202 Cheetah And Cubs 02 Final

Moms high pitched, bird-like calls pierce through the morning wind, alerting her cubs to her movement. Without wanting to miss out on too much play, they chase and tackle one another all the way to her side.

04Ally Ross 20201202 Cheetah And Cubs 09 Final

She spots some unsuspecting impala through the thicket and out of nowhere, makes a feeble attempt to catch one. With no surprise, she was not successful and continued toward Vovovo pan, a watering hole near Little Bush Camp.

It was there I had the opportunity to really observe the timid nature of these cats. Moving slowly between brush and termite mounds, they tentatively ventured into the open area. With heads hanging low, they scanned around for any potential danger.

05Ally Ross 20201202 Cheetah And Cubs 06  Final

Although they may be one the most successful hunters in the savanna, due to their fragile build in comparison to other cat species, they tend to be slightly more aware of their surroundings. They may be built for speed but can be easily overpowered by a larger apex predator and this female will ensure the survival of her offspring by being as cautious as needed.

The uncertainty of their surroundings gave me a great opportunity to capture them together around the watering hole, all scanning in different directions. Soon enough though they all relaxed and one cub settled next to the water’s edge.

I felt privileged to have spent my entire morning following in the footsteps of this little cheetah family, and to be reward with some quality time at the watering hole. I sat quietly for over an hour soaking up their family play around the water. What a blessing.

09Ally Ross 20201202 Cheetah And Cubs 07  Final
  • Blog by Ally Ross (Bush Lodge Ranger)
Share this article: