One had to take one’s hat off to the special mother which so lovingly cared for her litter of seven! And what a handsome bunch they were. It’s no wonder Magda Ehlers was excited to share her clip with Latest Sightings.
Cheetah mother walks regally through long grass
A cheetah is one of the most breathtaking animals of the bushveld. Cheetahs move with grace and are built for speed and agility.
However, they begin life just like all animals, as vulnerable babies which need to learn to find their feet in the grand scheme of things.
Watch the video now:
Cheetah spotted off the side of the road
This cheetah walked regally through the open grassland areas of the park. She was on a mission and it would soon be clear what this mission was.
She paused momentarily as she walked, as though to look back on something.
The reason for her vigilance was soon evident. Seven little cheetah cubs were following after her. They were well camouflaged in the long tawny-coloured grass. This was thanks to the whitish fur on their backs and their trademark spots.
Seven little cubs follow their mother as she walks along
The cheetahs followed their mother onto the open road. This was a treat for Magda, who could now see them out in the open, without the long grass getting in the way.
With the exception of the tawny fur on their backs, and their awkward, baby animals gaits, they were ‘mini me’ versions of their mother.
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A rare moment to cherish
A sighting of a mother cheetah with seven cubs in the bushveld, or anywhere for that matter, is extremely rare and remarkable.
Cheetah mothers usually give birth to between three and five cubs, but many cubs do not survive their first few months due to predators, harsh weather, and competition for food.
Seeing all seven cubs alive and following their mother was definitely a confirmation that this cheetah was a great mother. She had been highly successful at protecting and feeding her special seven.
Cubs demonstrate playful, curious nature
The little ones interacted playfully with one another and showed interest in the vehicle from which Magda viewed them. Like most baby animals, young cheetahs are playful and curious. It’s their mother which will teach them how to stalk prey, use cover, and eventually sprint at incredible speeds during hunts. Cheetahs are the fastest land animals on earth, capable of reaching speeds of up to 100km/h in short bursts.
Don’t miss out on any baby animals
One of the most special things about the bushveld is seeing new life, and how mother animals care for their young. Don’t miss a single baby animal sighting. We’ll keep you updated with Kruger National Park sightings on our Kruger sightings WhatsApp group.
With her litter safe and healthy, this cheetah mother definitely deserved an award… especially since cheetah mothers usually raise their cubs alone, without help from males.
Cheetah mothers must hunt constantly to provide enough food for their family, often targeting small to medium-sized antelope, like impala or gazelle. The cubs stay hidden in thick grass or bushes when they are very young, helping them avoid predators such as lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, and even large eagles.