Unimaginable footage captures a newborn fawn mistaking a hungry leopard for its mommy…
Captured by Gareth Nuttall-Smith in the MalaMala game reserve, witness the shocking scene of an impala baby nuzzling up to a leopard. Perhaps the leopard wasn’t ready for its next meal just yet, or maybe it wanted to first play with its food. The fawn doesn’t seem bothered by the imminent threat.
The leopard gives its new friend a quick sniff, deciding if the calf is perfect for mealtime. The impala baby stares straight into danger’s eyes, unfazed and completely relaxed.
This leopard has its tongue sticking out, adding an extra touch of cuteness to the scene. In hot climates, leopards may stick their tongues out to help regulate their body temperature, similar to how dogs cool down by panting. Sometimes, they might simply stick their tongues out when they’re feeling relaxed or playful, showing their contentment and calmness.
The baby impala nuzzles against the leopard, displaying an unexpected level of comfort. It’s a rare and remarkable sight to witness the gentle interaction between predator and prey in such a peaceful moment. Leopards, though known as solitary hunters, occasionally reveal a softer side, especially towards the young of other species.
The curious leopard paws at the fawn, just as a domestic cat would do with a toy mouse. It most likely had its claws retracted to avoid alarming the innocent calf.