Baby1

Nala the Rescued Cheetah Cub is Going Strong

Nala the cheetah cub was rescued as a newborn only a few weeks ago on the Samara Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Recently, we have been updated with the little one’s progress in the hands of the doting Karoo Lodge staff and she seems to be growing into a determined little female.

Nala Samara Reserve
Little Nala was rescued after Karoo Lodge staff could no longer ignore her mewling cries coming from under a nearby bush.

 

At 7 weeks old, Nala’s fur resembles that of a species more ‘threatening’ than herself – the honey badger! This is an innate developmental stage in cheetahs’ lives, essential to their protection. In the wild, mothers leave their infant cubs in a hiding place while she hunts to sustain herself. The strip of fluffy, grey fur on her babies’ backs is there to fool any potential predators into thinking these vulnerable bundles are in actual fact tough, mean, fighting machines. Nala will hold onto this fuzzy layer for a while longer before shedding it and donning her mature, cheetah spots beautifully.

For now, she is being fed 60ml of milk every couple of hours and is spending a lot of time on ‘nature walks’ where she is encouraged to explore, discover and learn as much about the wild as possible. Her inquisitive instinct amuses the staff members who are lucky enough to see her growing up, and she is reportedly making a regular victim out of the mop! Pouncing and stalking behaviour is an indication of her natural instincts developing, while her sharp claws and quick pace make her quite a handful!

We look forward to the next update on Samara’s little cheetah

Images courtesy of Samara Private Game Reserve.

Nala Samara Reserve
At 7 weeks old Nala is presenting natural inquisitive, stalking behaviour.
Nala Samara Reserve
The grey fur on Nala’s back is the natural, protective layer that resembles a honey badger’s back. In the wild, this feature wards off any potential predators.
Nala Samara Reserve
Nala is fed carnivore milk formula every few hours and goes for walks everyday to keep her stimulated. She is growing up strong and healthy.