Feeding the Kids

[Morkel Erasmus]

The same cheetah mother from the Mara Triangle - she is called "Kakenya".
Found this mom of 5 cubs on two occasions and on both she hunted and pulled down Thomson's Gazelle for the little ones!


Here she is bringing the first kill back to the litter, pretty much full frame.


Techs:
Nikon D3s
Nikkor 500mm f4 VR-II
f8.0 | 1/800 SS | ISO-2500

[Sanjeev Aurangabadkar]

Gorgeous image Morkel, love the little ones and the attentive mother & the kills adds to the story.

[Nancy Bell]

This image certainly tells an entire story, with the mom looking back at the cubs and the cubs both looking at mom and the kill. This is one of those where the picture is worth a thousand words! Great positions on all the critters, including the kill. I have never seen cheetah cubs and I love that ruff on their back. What do you think about lightening the eyes of the mom & center cub just a tiny bit?

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Morkel - I agree, it tells a story with one cub looking at mom with admiration and the other investigating the kill. Comp, dof and techs all look good.

TFS,
Rachel

[Tobie Schalkwyk]

Lovely colours & exposure Morkel! This would actually make a perfect postcard! I admire these animals for surviving in the wild against so many odds. 5 cubs! No wonder she's so lean! TFS!

[Marc Mol]

A classic scene here that tells the hunting story well, with one investigating the kill, the other looking up for reassurance and mum's watchful eye on the rest and danger lookout.
Well told all round Morkel,

TFS

[Gregor Bergquist]

Hi Morkel

Very lovely, and a classic Mara cheetah situation. Love it.

[Morkel Erasmus]

Thanks a bunch!