I have no siblings, but as a child and young woman, this didn’t bother me. I loved being on my own – whether it was reading, sketching, painting, writing, collecting stones or walking in the forest or in my grandmother’s garden. But as a grown up, and now aging – I would have loved to have a sister or brother to share memories with and consult about our old parents.
So, where am I going with this? Well…in South Africa we met two beautiful brothers, cheetas, where the first photo is from our first meeting, the day we arrived.
The second meeting was three days later, and luckily we found them resting in the same place again.
Our ranger, Charles, told us their story, how they had lost two partners and also their cubs, to lion attacks.
This led to them being monitored – and the pack of lions as well, in an attempt to protect them. I read that 90% of all newborn cheetas are killed by other predators, such as lions. If they survive the first critical months, they can reach 15 years of age.
I wondered if the reserve was going to find new mates for these two and give breeding another try. Charles had no answer to that, and stated that nature works things in its own way.
In my opinion these cats are one of the most beautiful creations in nature – their agility, their speed, their beauty. They hunt daytime and cheetas are the fastest, now living land mammals, with a short distance record of 104.4km/h in 200m.
Charles clearly spoke with affection when he told us their story, because he had been following them since their first day. And, it was not only Charles who had tears in his eyes when we left them resting in the evening sun. Their story touched my heart, and I felt some comfort in knowing they at least had each other. I wish them good luck in the future – may they be lucky in hunting and may they find new mates and be blessed with little ones.
But, Nature decides.
Leya 
Loved this story Ann-Christine. My mom was an only child and swore she’d never let that happen to her own family. As such I have 4 brothers! I live quite far from them but we have a reunion every year. This year we travel to them for my husband’s birthday celebration as they live near many of our friends from our own time up north.
Your images of the cheetahs are spectacular!
Thank you, Tina! Yes…four brothers – I would have been happy if I had only one! I too say to my children never to have only one child – ”look at me!” I say: Bad at taking conflicts and rather spoiled with getting all the love…
I love cats, especially cheetahs.
Regarding siblings: my brother is 5 years younger than me. Since I moved out I haven’t seen him more than 2 or 3 times a year (parents birthdays and Christmas). For my wife‘s relation to her elder sister that wasn’t much different except it started to happen about 10-15 years ago.
But, while her sister lives only 10 km away, my brother is about 800-900 km away. And as he moved around for his career he remained alone. Now he is in his mid 50s and seemingly financially arrived at a certain point. My wife‘s sister is nearly 70 but has now the freedom to travel.
Having siblings is not a guarantee to have them around when you need them or their support.
Interesting – and yes, no guarantees. Still, when we are loosing our parents or taking care of them in their last moments..I would have loved some support.
Very understandable 🙏
Sadly, the story of these cheetahs must be a common one. But they are young and healthy. They may get other chances?
I hope they will! Young and strong.
I love all the big cats and cheetahs are definitely among the most beautiful. You have some wonderful photos here, especially that wide yawn! Their story is sad but as you say, they have each other. And maybe they’ll find mates again, in their own time.
Thank you, Sarah – I do hope they will start new families. And I too love that yawn – such luck!
What beautiful creatures, A C. Marvellous captures and an interesting post… nature does indeed find its own way
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Beautiful cats! Hopefully they do find them partners and protect them. Your childhood sounds like mine, although I am the oldest of 4, I loved my alone time reading or painting, then I got into photography!
And I loved your LACP post – we have some things in common…
It appears we do!
Beautiful animals and your photos are superb.
Thank you, Vicki! I could hardly breathe !
What an absolutely beautiful story with your usual glorious photography . . . . I dunno > I was an only child and selfish enough to totally love it . . . ________________________________
Me too, Eha. Loved it –
They are such beautiful animals, and so are your photos.
♥
Great shot
Thanks, Sheree!
Magnificent photos of magnificent big cats, Ann-Christine, but a sad tale of their many losses.
Thank you, Tish – yes, hopefully they will try again.
She certainly does, and rightly so. As humans we interfere too readily with nature, trying to turn things to our advantage. I hate watching wildlife programmes where prey is hunted and mauled, but it is the natural order of things. I agree, they’re very beautiful, Ann-Christine xx
I agree with you about such programmes…