Cheetahs are known for their speed and striking beauty. Dotted with black polka dots on their fur, this beautiful creature belonging to the cat family embodies grace, confidence and strength. With a flexible spine and long slender legs, it has long strides, enabling it run up to 113km per hour, making it the fastest animal in the world.
It is my favourite wild animal because it embodies a demeanour and personality I admire. Some of my happiest days are the when I’ve seen cheetahs in person. I saw them at the Nairobi National Park and at the Animal Orphanage.
What stood out for me is how they walked so freely, going about their day against the backdrop of Nairobi’s skyline. Every step carried elegance and power, as though nature itself had carefully designed the perfect predator. At the Nairobi animal orphanage, I came across two caged cheetahs resting and playing, which made me realise they are very much similar to that fur baby or home cat you call a pet.
Curious, social and playful are the characteristics cheetahs and home cats have in common. But don’t let that fool you because remember, a cheetah is a wild animal for a reason. It can get aggressive when provoked. Don’t say I didn’t warn you when you go playing with it and you end up injured.
It is said that most of the existing cheetahs are found in Africa. In other continents, they are nearly extinct. According to The World Population Review, 6,517 cheetahs are remaining globally. The countries with the most cheetahs include Tanzania with about 938 of them, South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia and Botswana with 849, and Kenya with around 716.
In Kenya, cheetahs are not only found in Nairobi National Park but also in Maasai Mara National Reserve, Samburu National Reserve, Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Tsavo National Park, among others.
Despite being a carnivore like many other animals, cheetahs live a lifestyle built around speed, strategy and survival. Unlike lions that move in prides, cheetahs are more relaxed and social in smaller groups. Male cheetahs often form coalitions, mostly with their brothers, while females are usually seen raising their cubs. And still, they remain stunning and outstanding.
LEOPARD COMPARISON
One wild animal that resembles a cheetah is the leopard. Many confuse these two due to their polka-dotted nature. However, their personalities are two sides of a coin.
The leopard is a shy animal. It often stays on top of trees, giving it a better chance to hunt its prey and most importantly, it is a member of the Big Five. The Big Five animals are those wild animals said to be the most difficult to hunt on foot.
The leopard is not as fast as the cheetah and it is also far more aggressive. They are known for their stealth, strength and adaptability, which is evident in their muscular shoulders.
Their spots also differ. While the cheetah has simple black dots and black lines (also called tear lines or malar stripes) that run from their eyes to the mouth, the leopard has rosette-shaped spots that almost resemble little flowers on its golden coat. Leopards are mostly nocturnal animals and hunt quietly under the cover of darkness. What makes them unique is they drag their prey up on a tree to protect its meal from scavengers, such as hyenas and lions. Unlike the cheetah that relies on speed, the leopard relies on patience, strategy and silence to hunt its prey.
Africa is believed to have tens of thousands of leopards remaining in the wild, though the exact numbers remain difficult to determine because of their secretive lifestyle. Leopards are capable of surviving in forests, savannahs and even near human settlements, and that adaptability is what makes leopards one of Africa’s most successful predators.
When you observe wildlife closely, you realise that nature has a way of reflecting personalities even among animals. The cheetah teaches us about grace, speed and social connection, while the leopard reminds us about the power of solitude, resilience and quiet strength.
Perhaps that is what makes Africa’s wildlife so magical. Every game drive tells a story. So, the next time you are on a safari, observe keenly, digest the moment and think beyond the unseen.
