When they grow up, cheetahs become the fastest land animals, but for now, these baby cheetahs still rely on some playful tricks to get around.
While exploring Tanzania’s dusty savanna, a couple of young cubs decided to take a playful piggyback ride on their siblings.
At just ten weeks old, these cheetah cubs are already practicing the sprinting skills that will one day see them reach speeds of up to 75 mph.
But during this playful moment on the Ndutu Plains, a few decided to catch a lift from their brothers and sisters rather than running themselves.
The special moment was captured by wildlife photographer Paul Sounders, who managed to blend into the landscape by hiding in the long grass. The Seattle-based photographer, 51, shared how energetic and fast the cubs already were.
“They raced and scrambled in all directions,” Sounders said. “One of them kept trying to catch a lift on another cub’s back, even though they were running full speed. It was quite a sight, with their incredible balance and agility.”
Earlier, the cubs were seen wrestling in the dust while their mother watched over them. Rolling around and playfully gnawing at each other’s fur, the four cubs were honing their hunting skills.
Paul, who has been a professional wildlife photographer for 25 years, explained that their playtime is crucial training for their future survival.
“You could see them practicing what their mother had taught them—stalking, chasing, tackling, and grabbing each other by the throat, all in fun,” he said.
Paul, who has a special fondness for Tanzania, spent three weeks camping in the wild to capture these incredible moments.
“This was only my second time in Tanzania, but I love the freedom and the experience of guiding myself,” he said. “There are lots of wild animals around, like leopards and elephants, so you always have to stay alert.”
To avoid disturbing the wildlife, Paul avoids typical tourist behavior and prefers to sit quietly in his safari truck. “I try not to move too much, and that way, I can blend into the background and gain their trust,” he added.
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