Cheetah Cubs: Adorable Triplets at 6 Weeks

Shot at Ndutu Safari Lodge, Tanzania in February 2014 with the Canon 1Dx, 1D Mark IV, 500mm f/4 and 70-200 f/2.8 II with 1.4x TC III

Enjoy a favorite safari where we found the cutest 5 - 6 weeks old cheetah triplets. Although I'm always looking for cheetah/leopard cubs under 2 months old, finding cubs at 5 - 6 weeks is my brass ring. It's when Moms start letting their cubs explore a bit, and the little faces always exhibit so much curiosity and excitement. The young cubs make the sweetest squeal and chirp sounds as they learned to communicate and to acknowledge Mom's lessons and commands.

If you're wondering how I'm able to get so many intimate images of young families, it's because it's my passion and focus. My driver and I track and find our own families; and, we avoid other vehicles at all cost. That's because more than 1 - 2 vechicles will spook Moms. It also makes it harder for Moms to smell, hear and track food sources - not to mention predators - and it narrows their escape route. Focus and patience are key, even if it means sacrificing other photo ops. It's a gamble and time investment which can take more than a week for Moms to trust us; i.e., by getting use to our scent, vehicle and voices. But with patience comes joy.