A midday game drive to check on the levels of the Sand River turned into a pleasant surprise for our General Manager, Chris Kane-Berman when he stumbled upon the Vomba Female Leopard and her cute new cub. The Vomba female has spent most of her life in a territory which holds the Londolozi Camps at the heart of it and as such she has become extremely comfortable with people and vehicles. This relaxed behaviour has quickly been learnt by her new cub who is becoming comfortable with the presence of game viewers and people. Never one to miss an opportunity, Chris took out his camera and captured these stunning shots of the two leopards gently interacting with one another.
The Vomba female was a leopard with an instantly recognisable rich golden coat. She spent much of her life around the Londolozi Camps.
A little shy at first, the young cub peers out from behind a blade of grass. Already the cub has begun to develop muscular strength in its hind legs and neck and steadily continues takes on the graceful shape of a mature leopard.
Naturally the cub is always more at ease with its mother. The Vomba female, however, seems to have a pulse rate of single figures as evidence by her dozing eyes and panting mouth.
Bath time! The cub begins to get cleaned by its mother. A leopard’s tongue, as with any feline, has tiny hooks all over it so as to perform a number of tasks from lapping up water to pulling dirt off a small cub’s coat.
The cleaning continues as the cub receives a firm lick on the left side of its head.
All ready to pose! This cub has begun to relax around vehicles, however its inate sense of curiosity cannot be concealed. Its rich brown chocolate eyes reveal a sense of wonderment and interest which has long since replaced fear.
Up and at it, the young cub cannot stay still for long and constantly moves around taking an interest in everything from its mothers tail to the grass, insects, ground and trees.
The instinct of a cat is undeniable. Crouched low to the ground, staring with crystal focus and tensed muscles the cub proceeds to stalk Vomba’s flicking tail.
Photographed by: Chris Kane Berman
SO JEALOUS! Does Stoff have to find everything there..
Hi Rich,
Thanks for sharing these great shots, and cogratulations to Chris for taking the shots.
Kind regards,
Ted.
Beautiful pictures of mom and cub….
Awesome shots Stoff! i’m sure there are a couple of camp managers dying to go out on a bumble to see this little guy 😉
Stoff get back to your desk!!! hahahahaha! Amazing pics!
thanks…
Wow, what a beautiful little cub, I don’t think I’ve seen one with that shade of brown eyes before, wonderful pics, thanks for sharing !
OMW PRECIOUS!
Chris,
Well done….Absoutely Stunning images of the Mom & Baby Cub…..:)
Beautiful! There’s a reason why Vomba is one of my faves! Do we know the sex of the little one or who sired her?? Thanks for the great images guys! I long for Londolozi!!!
Hi Zoe, we think the father is the Marthly male. We are not sure of the sex yet, but will let you know as soon as we find out.
Wonderful pictures. The cub is soooo cute. thank you.
Love those shots. The only downside for me is that cub will be much older looking in December when I’m visiting.
Stoffie, you PROMISED me you would take me to see a leopard, so i’m thinking… Sunday?
I will ditto all of the above and more!! While hugely jealous not to have been there in person, I am so grateful for the technology we have that allows you to post these incredible photographs for all of us! Thank you Chris! What a special moment for you!
Hi Jen, it was an incredibly special moment sitting there on my own seeing this cub for the first time interacting with its mother!
Thank you for the wonderful photos and update on the beautiful cub….forwarding this on to my friend who will be joining me on my return to Londolozi next fall.
Great pictures. The cub is darling…wish I was there to see him (her). Thanks for the pictures.
Hey Stoff,
Magic is all there is to say. You’re the man!
this cub has so much soul in his eyes that i hope you can protect it to live forever…argh he is just too cute – m sharing on roar….
Incredible Stoffie!!!
How old is the vomba female? thanks
LOVE!!!