It’s often said that Africa is not for the weak, and in the animal kingdom, this gets proven time and again. I was fortunate enough to come across two leopard cubs—a brother and his sister. Still fairly young, they were full of energy, playing around when suddenly, the sister turned on the brother and gave him a big whack on the head! The two kept at it for the entire afternoon.
The Importance of Play in Leopard Cubs
Wrestling like this is a vital part of any cub’s life. It helps them prepare and toughen up for adulthood by increasing their agility and developing the skills they’ll need to hunt later in life. This playful combat is not just fun; it’s essential for their survival.
A Rare and Memorable Sight
It was an incredible opportunity to view these two leopards in their natural environment. I hope you’ll be lucky enough to spot them on your next visit to Mhondoro!
By Pierre van As
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