Trapped

Trapped

 

I had never witnessed a big cat kill before – well once I came close with a cheetah killing a rabbit, but there was so much dust I could not see a thing and the cheetah promptly disappeared into thick bush – or so I assume. Like I said, I could not see anything! So I guess that doesn’t really count, there’s no picture to prove it after all! Last year in the Maasai Mara I had the privilege of witnessing a mother cheetah, Narasha, teaching her youngsters how to kill prey. I have to admit it was not easy to watch, it is sad to see animals die – especially when the youngsters could not dispatch of it as efficiently as adults.  But I know that in the end the impala provided a necessary meal for three cheetahs, the way nature intended. While photographing the scene I concentrated mostly on the Impala’s expressions, mainly a reflection of my own feelings at the time – sympathizing with the prey.

I know some people dislike these kind of photos, so I apologize to all of those who feel uncomfortable with this, but I will occasionally throw in some bitter along with the sweet – it is after all the most accurate representation of nature.

Techs: Canon 7d | Canon 300 2.8 IS II | f/3.2 | 1/800s | ISO 200