We widely regard leopards as Africa’s most elusive big cat. In this video, a lucky visitor was fortunate to see three of these spotted beauties playfully interacting.
Alberto Scattolin submitted this endearing footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it on the H14 in the northern reaches of South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Watch the video here:
Leopard on a log
As Alberto’s video begins, we encounter a sight anyone would be happy to see. A beautiful young leopard sits on a horizontal tree trunk, gazing intently to the left.
For the most part, leopards are solitary creatures that live secretive lives in the shadows. So to see one so clearly in broad daylight is a real treat.
New arrival
However, there is more to the sighting than initially meets the eye. For, moments later, a second young leopard comes into view.
The leopards show no animosity towards one another, leading us to conclude that they are familiar. Had they been strangers, there would probably have been obvious signs of aggression.
Sub-adult siblings
Instead, as the newcomer settles down, the other leopard playfully swipes its paw towards it. Judging by the playfulness on display, we conclude that the leopards are siblings.
Female leopards typically give birth to 2-4 cubs after a 90 to 105-day gestation. Born helpless, they normally stay with their mothers for up to two years. By their size, we estimate the pair to be about 18 months old.
Getting no reaction from its sibling, the first leopard tries to taunt it into playfulness. Over and above being a way to release youthful energy, play is an important part of their development.
By playing, these young predators hone the skills they will need both to hunt and defend themselves. As anyone who’s ever seen a leopard hunt will tell you, they are incredibly agile creatures with ample power to match.
However, for now, it appears the newcomer is more interested in relaxation than indulging its sibling’s taunts.
At home in the trees
Subsequently, we remember how comfortably leopards move through trees. With sharp retractable claws and flexible paws, few other cats climb with such dexterity.
However, as with everything in life, practice makes perfect. As the newcomer settles down to enjoy the view, its hyperactive sibling gets into all sorts of trouble.
Being careful not to fall, the cub gradually makes its way down to safety, still eliciting no response from its sleepy sibling.
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Wait a minute!
As the cub leaps free, we suddenly notice something not previously seen. Sticking out from behind a cluster of roots, we see the white tail-tip of a third leopard.
Last glimpse
Subsequently, the video cuts to a new scene. Having now left the tree, we see the mother leading one of the cubs through the dense bush.
Nearly old enough to fend for themselves, the younger animals follow their mother wherever she goes. In doing so, they learn through observation and experimentation what it is to be a leopard.
As the leopards emerge onto the road, we’re given a final glimpse of the family together. As the cubs near independence, this may well be the last time the trio is seen together.