H3_W4_011

Date: 2016

Location: Masai Mara, Kenya

Did you know?

The African Leopard exhibits great variation in coat colour, depending on location and habitat. Coat colour varies from pale yellow to deep gold or tawny, and sometimes black, and is patterned with black rosettes while the head, lower limbs, and belly are spotted with solid black. Leopards are solitary unless they are a breeding pair or have cubs.

About the picture

Even though year-old cubs can fend for themselves, Leopard cubs tend to stick around with the mother until they are 18-24 months old. During this time, the mother will allow the sub-adult cubs to join her on hunts or partake in food that she has hunted. I photographed this in Masai Mara back in 2016. A female leopard was strolling by with her almost fully-grown cub. Both seemed very relaxed and comfortable in our presence. Suddenly the cub began to play with the mother by chasing, jumping, and nudging. It was when the mother joined in on this special moment that I clicked a picture.

Fun Fact

The African Leopard’s diet varies depending on the habitat and prey availability. Leopards have been known to eat dung beetles and also hunt Eland, a large antelope that can weigh up to 1000 kg.