Wildlife photographer Manoj Shah took these amazing pictures of the action of the female cheetah, known as Malaika, attempting a hunt.
Wildlife photographer Manoj Shah took these amazing pictures of the action of the female cheetah, known as Malaika, attempting a hunt
From her cheeky vantage point, perched atop a safari vehicle, Malaika spotted the wildebeest in the long grass plains
Manoj said he first noticed the cheetah scanning the bush as he drove up to the site – and knew that she was about to hunt.
Manoj first noticed the cheetah scanning the bush as he drove towards the site – and he knew that she was about to hunt
With her powerful eyesight, she spotted a young wildebeest following its mother – and immediately jumped from the vehicle in its direction
‘Thus she was able to scan vast areas of the Mara with her powerful eyesight.
Malaika broke into a fast run about 70 metres from her target, confusing the wildebeest who was then separated from its mother
Once she caught up to her target, the cheetah used its front paw (and razor sharp dew claw) to grab hold of the wildebeest
The young wildebeest became confused and was quickly separated from its mother. He took off, running for his life.
Surprisingly, however, the wildebeest held its ground and turned the tables on the cheetah, who fell to the ground
The wildebeest youngster faced Malaika and tried to attack her with its horns, which quickly drove the cheetah back into the tall grass