Baboons are well-known for their feisty personalities. This intense moment entails a lost cheetah calling out for his brother, but attracts aggressive baboons instead – Will the cheetah get away unharmed?
35-year-old travel Agent and photographer Mike Sutherland from Escape Safari Co. had the privilege of seeing this rare sighting on Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in the Northern Cape. Mike shared this incredible footage and story with LatestSightings.com:
“We had been following a well-known coalition of male cheetahs, who were scouting for a meal in the deep valleys of the Korannaberg mountains. As they approached one of the hillsides, they ascended the rocky slopes to gain vantage and look for prey.”
“On the other end of the valley, a troop of baboons foraged peacefully until 2 of the large males spotted the cheetahs in the distance and began alarm calling. To our surprise, the 2 male baboons made their way slowly across the valley, through the long grass towards the cheetahs. The cheetahs sat proudly, without moving until the baboons made a swift move up the hillside in their direction. The baboons chased the cheetahs down the rocky slopes and into the grass.”
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“The cheetahs were separated in the chase, but after a few minutes of calling, they regrouped and continued down the valley, but the baboons weren’t finished with them and launched another attack. They charged the cheetahs and chased them into the distance. The baboons then returned to their troop and the cheetahs continued hunting into the late afternoon.”
“I have never seen an encounter like this in 12 years of guiding around Africa.”
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“To see something like this is extremely rare and we were lucky to play witness to this. The scene took place at midday when most guests are back in camp relaxing, waiting for the afternoon game drive. But we had decided to stay out for the day and managed to see this rare encounter. We were excited and thrilled to witness it and happy that everyone got away unharmed!”
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“One should always keep calm and make sure you take it all in! Sightings like this don’t come around often – so enjoy the moment. If you have a camera, try your best to take pictures or videos to remember it.”
