In the Serengeti, cheetahs lead precarious lives. Female cheetahs with cubs face the constant challenge of hunting for food, while their vulnerable offspring are susceptible to the cruelty of stronger predators. Even scavengers take advantage of these sleek felines designed for speed. Among the big cats, cheetahs are the most agile but also the most defenseless. In this unforgiving environment, two cheetah mothers defy the odds as they raise their cubs, relying on their knowledge and resilience. However, the question remains: Does their expertise truly matter, or are they simply at the mercy of fate?
A group of five male cheetahs and a single female roam the land. Wherever the female goes, her suitors follow, drawn by her readiness to mate. Despite her estrus state, she is no easy target. Tension lingers among the coalition of five males, yet the female and her suitors remain together for days until she is prepared to mate. While the subordinate males observe and wait, the dominant male cheetah takes the initiative.
During this period, the female behaves like any other feline. If the pairing is successful, she will give birth to a litter of five or six cubs after three months. Females with cubs diligently search for hiding places within their territory to safeguard their young from predators. At the slightest hint of danger or discovery, they swiftly relocate their cubs. Thick vegetation serves as a sanctuary, and cheetah cubs possess natural camouflage. Nonetheless, they are not allowed to wander far. With five cubs under her care, the female must rely on luck and considerable skills to raise all her offspring.
Another female cheetah’s home range extends farther into the vast open plains. Termite mounds serve as advantageous vantage points, offering views of potential dangers and prey. Like her counterpart, she also has a large litter. However, the mortality rate among young cheetahs is alarmingly high. Although females can give birth to as many as six cubs, nine out of ten do not survive to adulthood. Thus, successfully raising four cubs beyond a month old is a notable accomplishment for any mother cheetah.
