Cheetahs risk injury by hunting a large herd of zebra. They successfully hunt, chase and catch a young vulnerable zebra foal.
Field guide Jann-Rick Louw experienced a sensational moment while out on a game drive in the Pilanesberg National Park. He shared his images and story with Latestsightings.com:
“We were aware of a cheetah mom with cubs. They had been seen in the same area over the past few days, and this morning was no different. As soon as we drove up to the plains where these cheetahs had been seen. We spotted them, mom and cubs relaxing under the shade of a nearby shepherd tree”
Cheetahs tend to prefer open plains as opposed to more dense thickets. Their strength in hunting is speed. Open plains offer a lot more potential for cheetahs to reach full speed in a chase, increasing their chances of a successful hunt.
“Having observed these cheetahs for a few days, we knew they were in desperate need of a meal. We also knew that there was a herd of zebra making their way in their direction. We held our breath in anticipation.”
“After what felt like an eternity, the shades of black and white started moving in the shrubs that surrounded the open plain. It was almost as if these zebras had a bounce in their step as they moved along. Oblivious of the potential danger that lurked not very far away.”
Cheetahs have a 58% success rate in hunts, and luckily for this hungry mom and cubs, this was one of the successful ones. Success means that the cubs will be fed and hopefully grow up and aid in increasing the ever-dwindling wild cheetah population in Africa.
Cheetahs catch young zebra foal
“Once the zebra stopped moving, the struggle was over. The cheetahs began opening the carcass and feasting on the soft flesh and internal organs. A well-deserved meal and a sighting that will stick with me for a very long time.”