Sweet child of mine

This female cheetah was on high alert protecting this sweet child of hers from predators. An endangered species in rapid decline on the Mara, this six month old cub had been attacked by a leopard one week ago and barely survived! Thankfully, he lives but was still moving slowly and in noticeable pain! At one point, the cub started to climb up on the termite mound for a better look but mama swatted him back down with her paw. Our guide said that Cheetahs are very maternal and actually feel love and affection for their young! We met the rangers (pictured in jeep) who were monitoring the cub and they said they considered tranquilizing this cub and flying in the vet to care for him but they were afraid the cub would die from shock! Thankfully he should survive now!