June 28, 2025

Nashipae’s three daughters have reached reproductive age – they are now 1y 11 months old. Until recently they stayed together, although sometimes hunted and ate alone. Usually, the most successful hunter leaves their littermates and begin an independent life. Separation from sisters also reduces the risk of competition for a mate. Three days ago, Naimutie left her sisters. Today Nasieku and Nempiris hunted separately, and both had full bellies. And today, two sisters once again met the male Olonyok. The male found Nasieku first, and Nempiris approached them later. However, now the male perceives them not as the cubs of the female with whom he mated before, but as potential mating partners. Since female cheetahs are induced ovulators, they require a stimulus to booster an oestrus. One of the incentives is meeting a male. Today the young females were not ready for the male’s courtship, but within two weeks, both females can come into heat and then will actively search for a male. So, today a new chapter began in the lives of Nashipae’s young daughters – one more step to maturity.

June 27, 2025

Today, besides Ruka, Olotj, and Ranger, we observed Nashipae in the Maasai Mara National Reseve, in good condition and moving without the limp. Recently, she was documented in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy (OMC), mating with Mwanga. While this indicates continued reproductive cycling, it is important to note that at her advanced age, the probability of successful conception, gestation, and cub rearing is significantly reduced. Nonetheless, Nashipae’s current physical recovery and capacity to hunt effectively (when undisturbed) reflect her exceptional resilience. Her case provides valuable insights into the longevity and reproductive limits of female cheetahs in the wild, as well as the importance of minimizing human disturbance to support natural behaviours in ageing individuals.

June 20, 2025

Oloti first appeared in the Mara Conservancy (Triangle) in July 2020. From October 2021, he has been roaming in between Mara Conservancy (Triangle) and Maasai Mara National Reserve. In February 2023, he was seen limping (right hind limb) and was successfully treated, allowing him to return to full mobility in March 2024.

However, on 12 May 2025, the limp reappeared, raising concern among conservation teams. Given the heavy tourism within the MMNR, Oloti needs close attention, care, and continuous monitoring. Consequently, Mara-Meru Cheetah Project (MMCP) and the Mara Cheetah Unit (MCU) have since been with him on a daily basis.

He has received medical attention three times, thanks to the expert intervention of Mara Conservancy veterinarian Dr. Ashif and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Mara Mobile Vet Unit’s Dr. Ngoroge. Currently, Oloti remains under close observation by the MMCP and MCU teams, who continue to ensure his condition is managed with utmost care.

June 16, 2025

Cheetahs often seek out shallower crossings or stepping stones, such as exposed rock, when navigating rivers. This behaviour is not due to an inability to swim but rather a strategic choice grounded in risk avoidance.

Crossing rivers exposes them to dangers such as strong currents, hidden rocks, or lurking predators like crocodiles. Using rocks or narrow crossings minimizes these risks while helping maintain dry fur, which is essential for thermoregulation and preserving scent for communication and territory marking. This cautious yet intelligent approach reflects the cheetah’s finely tuned survival strategy in landscapes where every decision can mean the difference between life and death.

June 13, 2025

After the loss of his littermate, this young male has since carved out his own life within the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Initially raised in the Mara Conservancy (Triangle), he’s ventured steadily through the MMNR, scent marking, and patrolling. Today, Ranger was once again observed roaming confidently in the Reserve, reinforcing his solo reign.

Ranger’s success underscores an important ecological insight: single males can thrive in the absence of coalitions. None have been established within the MMNR since the Tano Bora.