From the moment Rain’s first litter was born there was much excitement around the arrival of these 4 beauties. Questions arose as to whether Rain could manage to get her cubs to adulthood with apex predators around. Sadly one cub was lost shortly after the cubs left the den to move around with mom.
We watched Rain at each sighting with bated breath to hear if her remaining 3 cubs were still alive. And indeed they were. All 3 made it to adulthood thanks to their expert mom. Sadly they grow up, and have to leave the one that raised them so well. In doing so the male Cheetahs have to establish their territory.
The day came too soon that these 3 boys encountered their 2 dad’s. The 3 youngsters managed to kill the 2 older males, which was devastating for us. Attempts were made to move the 3 males as soon as possible before this, but red tape always gets in the way. It was inevitable that they would encounter each other but this violent outcome was not expected.
The next point in their life would be to mate. With only their mom and sisters available, it was clear they needed to move and soon. So the boys were captured.
They are going to 2 different parks. They are too strong as a coalition of 3. Therefore 1 has gone to Dinokeng where he will be bonded immediately with another male Cheetah, and the other 2 will go to Marakele. No one wanted to split them, but for their safety, and the safety of other Cheetah they encounter, this decision was made in the best interest of the Cheetahs.
