Ketsweri's first cubs

In the afternoon while on research drive we found Ketsweri, one of the female cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and got to walk in to see her. She is expecting cups soon as it is almost 3 months since she has mated with Djuma, one of our male cheetahs on Karongwe game reserve. She is getting really fat and we could even see her cubs kicking from inside her tummy!!

So back at base there has been loads of talk about Ketweri and when she will have her cubs, but all got answered the next morning as we walked in on her and her brand new little baby… the cutest ball of fur I have ever seen. Not only has this been the highlight of my trip but one of the highlights of my life. We notified the reserve Warden. He came back with us to see the new cub and when we arrive at the den site she now had two cubs with her. We continued our research drive to find the rest of the animals and on the way back to base we made a last stop at the den site and discovered she had three little balls of fluff cuddling her.

Kate Luan Collins, IRE, Volunteer

Ketsweri's first cubs