Leopard Cubs: Keisha at 7 Months

Shot at Mala Mala Game Reserve, South Africa in July 2010 with the Canon 1D Mark IV, 1Ds Mark III, 500mm f/4 and 70-200mm f/2.8 II

When we arrived at camp, we were saddened to hear that my favorite leopard Mom, Kikilezi, had just lost one of her cubs, a boy, 4 days before our arrival. Even though it was hopeless, it was clear that Kiki was still searching for her cub and calling out to him. Her pleas broke my heart. The female cub was missing as well, so we were quite concerned. Fortunately, the 7 mo. old cub was safe and hidden high up in a tree not far away. I nicknamed this precious cub Keisha which means alive and well.

Mala Mala Game Reserve is one of the best places to see leopards but also a great place to see lions, cheetahs and elephants, etc. I even had nice black rhino sightings there.