However there was an epic twist in this sighting, with events unfolding not quite as anticipated.
This unexpected turn of events makes the sighting all the more incredible.
Nkululeko explains that while out on a game drive, they saw a pair of cheetahs in the distance. Recognising the rarity of the sighting, they followed two cheetahs, which appeared to be hunting.
A herd of wildebeest also spotted them and were quick to scatter.
Cheetahs set sights on zebras
He says that the cheetahs soon spotted some zebras on the horizon. “We noted how the cheetahs then positioned themselves to attack the baby in the herd,” Nkululeko recalls.
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Although known for speed, cheetahs begin a hunt by stalking slowly and carefully. They often get as close as 30 to 50 metres before charging. Once close enough, they launch a high-speed chase.
Unlike many other big cats, they don’t rely heavily on ambush or brute strength. Instead, they use a short, explosive burst of speed to chase down prey in open terrain.
They can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just a few seconds.
Baby zebra targeted by cheetahs
The cheetahs made a beeline for the baby. They displayed superb agility and speed. The terrain was also open and grasslands stretched out for as far as the eye could see. This made the area ideal hunting ground for the pair of cheetahs.
Cheetahs thrive in open grassland areas where they can pick up speed with ease, and without obstacles.
Cheetahs successfully ambush baby zebra
In a heartrending moment, they managed to capture the baby zebra.
The surprise experienced by Nkululeko and the occupants of the open-back safari vehicle can be heard in the clipping at this point. This was a tentative moment for all involved.
The thrill of the hunt was palpable in the air, and the game viewers’ startled expressions continued as the baby zebra disappeared from view.
However, they couldn’t have anticipated what would happen next.
The zebra mother was not about to take the cheetahs’ antics lieing down. She chose to retaliate and ran into the cheetahs. The released the baby which then managed to escape.
There were celebratory comments from inside the safari vehicle as the occupants exclaimed with surprise that the baby had gotten away.
Cheetahs often go for baby zebras because young zebras are smaller, slower, and easier to catch than adult zebras. This makes them ideal prey for the cheetah’s hunting style.
Adult zebras are also large, muscular, and capable of strong kicks and fast bursts of speed. A full-grown zebra can seriously injure or kill a cheetah with a well-aimed kick.
In contrast, zebra foals are a much safer and more manageable target.
The pair of cheetah’s might have been used to preying on young and vulnerable animals, but they hadn’t considered the loyalty of a mother, and the zebra mother’s strong maternal instincts.
This heroic zebra mother will not easily be forgotten by Nkululeko and his fellow game viewers.