The cheetahs take risks by chasing a large herd of zebras. They can search, pursue, and capture a tiny, defenseless zebra.

While driving the game in Pilanesberg National Park, field guide Jann-Rick Louw had a great encounter. He provided Latestsightings.com with his photos and story:

“We know there is a mother leopard with cubs. In the past few days, they have been spotted in the same location and this morning was no exception. We reached the plains where these cheetahs were spotted as soon as we arrived. We saw them lying in the shade of the shepherd tree, mother and cubs.”

Cheetahs generally prefer open plains over dense bushes. Their speed is a hunting advantage. Cheetahs have more opportunities to run at full speed during a chase across open plains, increasing their chances of a successful hunt.

“After observing these cheetahs for a few days, we could tell that they were going to starve to death. We also know that a herd of zebras is moving towards them. We held our breath eagerly.

“After what seemed like a lifetime, patches of black and white in the bushes surrounding the great plain began to move. These zebras move forward with a spring-like gait. unaware of the potential threat extending not too far away.

Cheetahs often prefer to hunt smaller antelopes. No doubt, these smaller cats find it much easier to consume the smaller antelope. Zebras are one of the largest prey species, but cheetahs generally stay away from them because doing so increases the likelihood of fractures.

“Then all three leopards flew away at an explosive speed I had never seen before. The zebras, unbeknownst to them, were taken by surprise. A young foal and its mother were separated after the chase. He is being chased by cheetahs. When a cloud of dust rose, the foal descended. The seasoned mother leopard quickly squeezed the zebra’s fragile neck.

Fortunately for this starving mother and her cubs, one in 58% of cheetah hunts are successful. Success means the kittens will be fostered and, with luck, they will grow up to help fuel Africa’s dwindling wild jaguar populations.

“The struggle ended when the zebra stopped moving. Opening the carcass, the cheetahs began to devour the soft flesh and internal organs. a well-deserved dinner and an encounter that will stay with me forever.”