Baby cheetahs that ‘look like honey badgers’ spotted at Hammanskraal reserve
Four cubs were born to a cheetah mom at the Mongena Private Game Reserve after the death of her previous litter.
A female cheetah at the Mongena Private Game Reserve has been given a second chance at motherhood after her litter was killed by lionesses in October.
She was captured on video walking through the veld in the reserve in Hammanskraal with her new litter of four cubs running playfully behind her.
In a YouTube post, the reserve, which forms part of the Dinokeng Game Reserve, captioned the video: ‘Tiny cheetah cubs look like honey badgers’.
In a statement, the Mongena Private Game Reserve, said wildlife monitor Danelle Mostert was carrying out her routine monitoring work when she noticed the mother staying within a very confined area of the reserve.
“Danelle’s investigation revealed the best possible reason: The female had given birth to at least four healthy cubs. Her previous litter was killed by the Tembe lionesses,” the statement said.
The reserve described the loss of the previous cubs as ‘heartbreaking’.
“Through the dedicated efforts of our conservation team and the use of modern monitoring technology, we are happy to report that this new family is thriving within the reserve,” the reserve added.
To ensure their safety, the reserve said the team utilises drones, allowing them to monitor the cubs’ health and nursing progress.
“This approach ensures we don’t intrude on the space of the female or inadvertently lead predators to her location,” the statement said.
Over the last two months, the cubs have reached a major milestone.
“All four cubs were suckling and maintaining excellent health. The cubs have now officially left their den site and are actively moving across the reserve with their mother,”added the reserve.
*This article has been amended.
