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This was the moment a cheetah mirrored its mother’s hunting skills, and passed on lessons that she was taught as a cub.
Before we compare the two hunts, take a look at our story about SuperMom Rain’s effort. Both hunts occurred in Pilanesberg National Park in South Africa’s Northwest Province.
As you will see, Rain used the terrain and vegetation to her advantage. By “herding” her prey onto the road, she had the speed and space to grab her prey.
This, to the delight of the onlookers. Subsequently, this became one of the most popular stories we’ve published.
In this article, we’ll compare their strategies and tell you more about these remarkable cheetah moms.
Introducing Rain’s daughter – Tale
Contributor Nina filmed the new footage and sent her story to Latest Sightings. She told us she found Tale – Rain’s daughter – and her two sub-adult cubs on Hippo Loop.
Seeing how alert the cats were, Nina sensed they were prowling for a meal. Consequently, she circled ahead to Lentsha Link, where a herd of impala were grazing.
Dense vegetation
Preceding Tale’s hunt, we see her watching the impala from deep cover. As with her mother’s hunt, the thick vegetation allows her to stalk within striking distance.
According to Nina, the two sub-adults initiated the chase that followed.
Consequently, the herd of impala took flight as the cheetahs streaked towards them.
While some of the herd veered right, most turned left, crossing the road in front of Nina’s vehicle.
Similar disappointments
As with her mother’s hunt, the cheetahs appeared to chase their quarry away from the road. Disappointed, the onlookers assumed this was all the action they would see.
Similar surprises
Subsequently, no sooner had the assumption been made than the cheetahs reappeared. Only now, they were in hot pursuit of an impala lamb. You’ll recall, that the same thing happened in Rain’s hunt.
Similar takedown
In the same vein, just as the fleeing impala reached the road, Tale tripped it right in front of an awestruck Nina.
Typically, the pursued prey determines the course of the chase. Therefore, it is difficult to conclude that the predators intentionally took down their prey on the road.
However, in both cases, several cheetahs were involved, so it is feasible they ‘herded’ their prey towards the road.
Similar aftermath
As Tale and her prey clattered to the ground, her cubs arrived soon after. At this stage, Tale didn’t have a secure throat grip, so their presence reduced the chances the impala might escape.
Still, there were lessons to be had. In this case, even though they were probably hungry, the youngsters looked on while Tale clamped her jaws on the impala’s throat.
Similar rush
Being relatively lightweight, cheetahs often lose their meals to larger predators. Therefore, they feed as soon as they’ve recovered from the chase.
Note how while their mother subdues the impala, her two offspring look for potential danger.
Ultimately, the trio were able to enjoy their meal in peace.
Super Moms
We often hear stories of cheetah females who stand out as excellent mothers; so-called Super Moms. In Rain’s case, she successfully raised 5 litters to adulthood.
This means she had to nurture, feed, protect and teach her cubs – no mean feet for a single mom. Or any mom.
We’re glad to see the lessons she passed on were well learned by Tale.
Nina tells us, “After lunch mom moved off in one direction and the cubs in another, where they proceeded to clean each other’s bloodied faces.”
This suggests that Tale is in the process of separating from her near-adult cubs. In time, she will come into oestrus, mate and, hopefully, pass on the skills she inherited from Rain to her next litter.