In a heartwarming display of nature, a mother cheetah and her six playful cubs were spotted frolicking in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.
Wildlife photographer Majed Sultan Ali, 35, from Kuwait, captured this delightful scene while on safari.
The group of cheetahs, consisting of two-week-old cubs, were observed playing next to an old log, honing their essential hunting skills vital for survival in the African wilderness.
This was not Mr. Ali’s first attempt at photographing cheetah cubs; he had tried since 2007 without success.
“I have tried photographing cheetah cubs since then but never got the chance. Having six cubs to shoot was amazing. It was even better to have all six in one frame,” Mr. Ali remarked, reflecting on his experience as a professional photographer since 2006.
In his collection of photographs, Mr. Ali captured the mother cheetah interacting with her energetic cubs, who climbed and played with her.
Despite their young age, the cubs exhibited remarkable predatory instincts. “As it is the first time I have seen a cheetah with her cubs, I feel like this is my first safari. I couldn’t stop taking photos of every action of these cubs,” he shared.
One particularly memorable moment included a cub leaping over another, showcasing their playful nature.
Mr. Ali noted that while the cubs initially appeared shy, they grew more comfortable, coming closer as he spent time with them.
As he continued photographing the cheetah family, Mr. Ali witnessed them enjoying their dinner. However, capturing the action posed a challenge, as he had to anticipate the cubs’ movements from a distance.
“The cubs are only about two weeks old. Unfortunately, one of the cubs died, but I was not told the reason behind its death other than a lion or hyena may have killed it,” he explained.
Mr. Ali emphasized the importance of being prepared for every moment while photographing wildlife, whether freezing a frame or creating a motion effect.
“Understanding the animal’s behavior also helps you to expect what the animal may do by reading its body language,” he added.
Through Mr. Ali’s lens, this extraordinary encounter provides a glimpse into these young cheetahs’ playful and adventurous lives as they learn to navigate their world.
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