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A reminder of the GREAT things – Ntsumi’s cub

on Feb 04, 2021

As we venture out on safari with wide-eyed, first time "safari-goers”, I am always in awe of how they perceive my world. They marvel at the beauty of all things great and small and find pleasure in the dynamics of our more commonly seen species such as impala. I soak up every moment as I never want to lose this same feeling. So, having the gift of bringing people into our world allows me to always appreciate these moments. As their journey continues, they are treated to a variety of exciting and intriguing species, most often adored - the leopard.

Guests are mesmerised by the dappled rosetted pattern that slinks through the dense vegetation, the intensity of meeting their golden stare. Captured by this powerful, stealthy creature there are very few animals that can safely compete with "checking the bucket list" for a wild leopard. So, in our line of work, we have the gift of bringing people into our world which allows us to always appreciate these moments of both guest reactions and a humbled appreciation of our home. But today, I experienced a completely different view. One I felt I had to share because I felt it to be so special to be a part of.

I have been so fortunate to be able to spend some safari time with colleague and friend, Andries Ndlovu. We decided to head out on a drive, in search of a female leopard in the east. For both of us, our time at Sabi Sabi has been nothing short of amazing, and our game viewing experiences; marvellous!

Both fascinated by leopards, as most are, we have experienced many phenomenal sightings of this elusive creature. But little did I know that the experience we were about to have would be a turning point for my appreciation and a first time for Andries here at Sabi Sabi.

Perfectly tucked into the broken fork of a Marula tree lay a petite dappled version of the Ntsumi female. Fast asleep and unbothered by our presence. Andries’ reaction silenced my own excitement as he murmured, "Ally, this is my first leopard cub at Sabi Sabi”.

I set my camera aside and soaked in this moment. The smile that emerged, consuming his face took me by surprise and made me beam with happiness. Every time I am fortunate enough to see a cub, the feeling of excitement never changes, and his response took me back to my very first time I saw a leopard cub. It made me smile. It made me think of how special this life is, how lucky we are and how his day was just made on a monumental scale. Here I sat, with my friend beside me, marvelling at this new bundle of life whose magic had just made our world a better place.

Eventually, curiosity got the better of the little one and we were treated to quite a show of Ntsumi’s cub as it ventured up and down the robust branch in search of attention from mom. The little one made a ginormous leap for the lower branches in an effort to mimic its mother’s graceful dismount.

Once the safety of the soft ground was established, the cub wasted no time as it once again explored every blade of grass mom touched. Eventually the little one found a spot on the grass in front of us, that seemed just right. Both Andries and I were in awe of the curiosity of the leopard cub; its big blue eyes staring intently back at us. Showcasing a sharp set of little teeth and rolling around whining for mom’s attention, we were treated to a lovely afternoon in the company of Sabi Sabi’s newest addition.

07andries Leopardcub.ntsumi 4 Final

Every day and every experience is one to never take for granted. The happiness and joy a safari brings to any individual - new or experienced - fills my heart with so much gratitude. I am reminded of the great things in hard times, and that this time more than ever, we should hold on to these happy moments that bring back fond memories and for some, create new ones.

  • Blog by Ally Ross (Bush Lodge Ranger)
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