10.12.2016
For the first time in her entire life, Rani managed to raise cubs to 17 months, and they are ready for independent life. Usually cheetah mothers leave their cubs at the age of about 16 months, most often being pregnant. Daughters are often more successful hunters, and brothers strongly rely onto sisters after been left by the mother. Rani’s family demonstrates entirely different case. Son of Rani is the most successful hunter among littermates and unlike sisters brings down sub-adult gazelles. The cubs actually ready to leave their mother, and make decisions on directions of movements.
Recently, we spent three days watching the family. On the first day, Rani unsuccessfully hunted several times, giving the cubs opportunity to take the initiative. They chased an adult hare, which escaped in the hole, and later on, one of the female cubs caught a leveret. Cubs were so hungry, that fought for it. Next day the mother provided the cubs with two big meals and after sleeping for the whole day, in the evening, the family started moving. The only time cubs became active was when Topi was passing by the resting cheetahs and has been chased by a young male. On the next day, it was an offspring, who have decided which way to go, so the female had to follow.