Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2012/03/23
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]A Duma (Cheetah in Swahili) mother and her four cubs kept us occupied for long periods of time in Ndutu, as we saw her almost every day. We saw her kill three times, as well as one unsuccessful attempt - with four cubs she had to pretty much kill daily, because of which the family was very visible. The cubs were bundles of charged energy, and hardly sat still, so great to watch (not so easy to photograph, though!). To start with, here are some general shots of the family, also showing the Ndutu environment: On the move, searching for prey: http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/jayanand/Tanzania+2012/Tanzania_20120302_03279.jpg.html Relaxed after a good meal: http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/jayanand/Tanzania+2012/Tanzania_20120302_03757.jpg.html Huddled for warmth (at ISO 6400) after a violent late evening shower. Cheetah cubs are very susceptible to hypothermia: http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/jayanand/Tanzania+2012/Tanzania_20120304_06398.jpg.html Surrounded completely by wildebeest - both the species seem quite relaxed about it, though: http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/jayanand/Tanzania+2012/Tanzania_20120304_05741.jpg.html Three cubs with mom, still for a change: http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/jayanand/Tanzania+2012/Tanzania_20120304_05729.jpg.html Every time a cub came near, the mother reassuringly gave it a loving lick: http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/jayanand/Tanzania+2012/Tanzania_20120302_02728.jpg.html Please see large. Comments and criticism, as always, welcome Cheers Jayanand