Young cubs are always a highlight of any safari. We spent time with this female cheetah and her five-week old cub on two occasions – both times, the youngster put on quite a show for us, constantly stalking and pouncing on her mother and any other object that caught her eye.
At this age they are extremely vulnerable to other predators. One afternoon, we watched as another female cheetah walked close to where they were lying – both saw her and kept a low profile, avoiding potential conflict which could have led to injury, or worse.
The long fur along the cub’s neck will be replaced as she grows, and when she’s about a year old, her coat will be short and even with the typical spotted pattern.