In a rare and touching scene in Kenya’s Masai Mara, three cheetah brothers were seen playing with a young impala instead of hunting it. Despite their hunting prowess, the cheetahs showed no interest in the antelope as prey.
Photographer Michel Denis-Huot captured the moment during a safari in October of the previous year.
He noted that the cheetahs might have been full and exhausted from an earlier hunt, which could explain why they didn’t pursue the impala for food.
Denis-Huot observed the three brothers, who have been inseparable since leaving their mother at 18 months old.
When they came across a group of impalas, the majority of them fled. However, one young antelope wasn’t quick enough and became temporarily caught. Instead of attacking, the cheetahs seemed more interested in playing with it.
For over 15 minutes, the cheetahs gently interacted with the young impala, knocking it down but not showing any signs of aggression.
Their actions were reminiscent of domestic cats playing with a toy, even putting their paws on the impala’s head.
At one point, it appeared that one of the cheetahs might bite the impala’s neck, but the tension quickly passed.
The photographer was relieved as the impala eventually ran off unharmed. Denis-Huot marveled at the surprising connection between the predators and their prey, commenting on how the cheetahs, typically known for their speed and ferocity, displayed an unexpectedly gentle and playful nature.
As the impala fled to safety, Denis-Huot humorously speculated that it might share the story of the friendly cheetahs with its peers, despite their fearsome reputation.
This extraordinary encounter is a reminder of the unpredictable and sometimes heartwarming moments that nature provides, even between species typically seen as adversaries.
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