Leopard – Page 5 – Jennifer Sawicky Photography

July 14, 2019

2019-07-14: Babies in the bush – Leopard Cubs

During my last trip, we saw leopard cubs both in the Timbavati and in the Sabi Sands. The cubs I spent time with on this trip were a bit older than the ones I saw during my 2017 trip, but certainly no less amazing to watch. If you missed some of the previous posts, you can see some of the older images here and here (or just search the site for leopards).

During my time in the Timbavati, we found one leopard cub, and while in the Sabi Sands we saw one cub on a few different occasions. These shy, beautiful cats will grow up to be stealthy hunters, but for now, they are totally reliant on their Mom for food and protection. I absolutely believe that leopards only allow you to see them if they want you to, so having an opportunity to view these babies is an absolute thrill.

DSCF2208 copy-Edit — A leopard cub rests atop a termite mound, with Mom relaxing nearby. Mom had taken a nyala down, and as the kill was nearby and it was beginning to grow dark, all sightings of this cub and her Mom were winding down. They do not want to do anything to put the cub at risk, so they do not use spotlights on young cubs feeding at night.

DSCF4625 copy-2-Edit — This cub was in the Sabi Sands, and was a little bit skittish. She would come out once vehicle activity had dies down; so you needed to be quite patient to see her (Mom was very chill and unconcerned with the vehicles). Here she comes out of the bushes at the top of a rise, heading towards Mom in the fading evening light.

XT3X3871 copy-1-Edit — Mom’s tail makes for an excellent toy 🙂

XT3X4100v1 copy-Edit — The last view I had of the leopard cub in the Sabi Sands. On this occasion, she was lying close to Mom as our vehicle approached, and was comfortable enough that she didn’t move off into the bushes.

June 23, 2019

2019-06-23: Mamas and babies in the bush

I was fortunate to see lots of youngsters during my latest travels. While the young elephants are definitely my favourite to watch, especially when they start waving their tiny trunks around trying to act tough, all the young animals in the bush are a delight to see.

Here are just a few of the sightings that I had.

DSCF2273 copy — A giraffe calf having a late afternoon milk break.

DSCF3002 — We spent some time with this pair of rhinos while they grazed away the early morning. Here the young one had just turned to look as another vehicle was heading in to take over our viewing position. Moments later, the head was back down and he was happily munching on the grass again.

XT3X2902 — A pair of lion cubs suckling.

XT3X3869 copy-Edit — A young leopard doing a very accurate impression of a sulky teenager.

June 19, 2019

2019-06-19: Wordless Wednesday

20190619_WW

June 17, 2019

2019-06-17: Monochrome Monday

I had some good opportunities during my travels for some animal portraits. Here are the first couple that I have worked through, just in time for monochrome Monday.

Have a great week everyone!

Pensive Cheetah — I only had one cheetah sighting during my past trip, and it was an interesting one. We had the opportunity to watch this female try to get close enough to a group of impala to begin to hunt, but her cover was blown.

Leopard Portrait — One of the many leopards that I was lucky enough to view this past trip.

Lion Portrait copy — A side view of a lioness.

Did you know you can find these images, and other like them, in my gallery? You can see an evolving collection of my favourite images there, and even order a print or two if you choose.

May 1, 2019April 29, 2019

2019-05-01:Wordless Wednesday

April 24, 2019

2019-04-24: Wordless Wednesday

April 21, 2019

2019-04-21: Leopards Playing

While this leopard sighting was almost two years ago, it feels both like a lifetime ago, and also like it was yesterday. I find it interesting how the same experience can occupy those different spaces, seemingly at the same time.

This was the second to last day of my last safari, and the photos don’t need too much commentary. Our ranger took us to a leopard and her two cubs that were deep in a ravine, and while we perched, parked on the side of a rather steep slope, the cubs went about their day, playing, chasing, exploring and occasionally, snuggling up with their Mom.

I hope you enjoy my selections for today. Wishing everyone a fantastic week ahead.