NASIEKU AND NASHIPAE TODAY

July 10, 2025

After the female leaves her cubs, daughters usually remain within the maternal territory, while sons wander away from their family – this behavior helps to avoid inbreeding. Sisters, on the other hand, stay together as long as it benefits each of them. Over the past week, Nasieku has also become independent, and today was spotted alone. This morning, she got a fawn of impala, and later in the day, a Thomson gazelle’s fawn. Interestingly, the young female managed to hunt and eat both times in the presence of baboons in this area. Moreover, three baboons scared her away from the second kill, which did not prevent the female from finishing the meal as soon as the baboons left. Yesterday, her mother Nashipae hunted a baby impala in the same field. It is worth noting that she has recovered from her lameness and does not limp after a chase. Today, like 10 days ago, Nashipae spent the entire day 150 meters from her daughter, but they only saw each other in the evening. And again, Nashipae showed a desire to leave her daughter as soon as Nasieku stood up looking at Nashipae. Apparently, the cheetahs recognize each other from a distance and react to each other’s behavior accordingly. After watching Nashipae attentively for a few minutes, Nasieku turned around and walked in the opposite direction, toward the impala herd. Her evening chase, which Nashipae watched, was unsuccessful. We left both females sleeping in the grass 100 meters apart with fairly full bellies.

Baboons scared Nasieku from a kill, but did not change her decision to finish eating it

ONE DAY OF ONE OF THE OLDEST MALES IN THE MARA

July 5, 2025

For aging cheetahs like Olonyok (10 years 9 months), undisturbed daytime rest is essential. It allows their bodies to recover, conserve energy, and maintain vigilance through the night when threats from other predators increase.
Today, Olonyok spent his day resting, even with several tour vehicles 20–25 meters away. His ability to sleep deeply in the presence of vehicles reflects not only his tolerance to tour vehicles in the Reserve but also a strong indicator of his comfort and security in his environment.
At this stage in life, sufficient rest is just as vital as strengt, and Olonyok continues to show us how experience shapes survival.
After a long day’s rest, Olonyok began his journey as usually after sunset.

July 5, 2025

For aging cheetahs like Olonyok (10 years 9 months), undisturbed daytime rest is essential. It allows their bodies to recover, conserve energy, and maintain vigilance through the night when threats from other predators increase.
Today, Olonyok spent his day resting, even with several tour vehicles 20–25 meters away. His ability to sleep deeply in the presence of vehicles reflects not only his tolerance to tour vehicles in the Reserve but also a strong indicator of his comfort and security in his environment.
At this stage in life, sufficient rest is just as vital as strength, and Olonyok continues to show us how experience shapes survival.

June 30, 2025

Today in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Nashipae is observed approximately 150 meters from her two daughters, Nasieku and Nempiris. Notably, it has been four days since Naimutie separated from her siblings, an expected phase in the natural dispersal process.
What is particularly significant is Nashipae’s current behavior; she was seen actively avoiding close contact with her daughters. This shift likely reflects a change in social dynamics, as she now perceives them not as offspring, but as potential competitors. Such behavioral transitions occur amongst cheetahs, where maternal bonds weaken once cubs reach independence. Nashipae’s distancing underscores the complex balance between kinship and survival in the wild.