A cheetah named Siligi has made headlines in the Maasai Mara after giving birth to an exceptionally large litter of seven cubs—far more than the usual three to five cheetahs in the wild.
This rare event was captured by wildlife photographers Yaron Schmid and Amy Montminy, who also run YS Wildlife Photography and Safaris.
Cheetah cubs face many dangers from the moment they are born, and Siligi’s litter has already encountered serious threats.
Just a day before their photoshoot, a lioness tried to attack the cubs, but Siligi’s quick thinking saved them. The clever mother managed to lead her cubs to safety, escaping the lion’s deadly pursuit.
Schmid, who is both a wildlife photographer and a vet, praised Siligi for her swift actions, which likely spared her cubs’ lives.
Despite the constant dangers from predators like lions and hyenas, as well as disease, the cubs have survived their first few weeks.
Dominick Maatany, a guide with YS Wildlife Photography and Safaris, was the first to spot Siligi and her cubs near the Enkewa Camp.
The sighting was significant because large litters like this are rare, and only a small percentage of cubs survive to adulthood.
Montminy expressed concern over the high mortality rate among cheetah cubs, with only about 10% reaching maturity due to the constant threats they face.
She hopes that Siligi will be able to raise at least some of her cubs, though the odds are stacked against them.
While organizations like the Mara Meru Cheetah Project, led by Dr. Elena Chelysheva, provide valuable protection by monitoring cheetah families and ensuring tourists maintain a safe distance, a recent vehicle breakdown has temporarily reduced their ability to assist.
Despite these challenges, the sighting of Siligi and her seven cubs has sparked excitement among wildlife enthusiasts.
The future of this rare family is uncertain, but with a bit of luck and ongoing support, they may have a chance to thrive in the wild.
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