A Group of Cheetahs in Kenya Risk Their Lives Crossing the Nile River
A group of people were exploring the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Suddenly, they discovered a cheetah family by the river. The water was flooded and the current was swift, but the animals didn’t seem to care. Their only goal was to cross it; they were determined to achieve it.
The largest cheetah jumped into the water, and those watching were holding their breath. Soon, the other two cheetahs followed. As everyone waited with anticipation, speculating whether the swimming athletes would reach their destination, photographers Arnfinn Johansen and Buddhilini De Soyza seized the opportunity and took their cameras. Both of them successfully captured the development of the story.
Photographer Arnfinn Johansen said that he had been tracking these five cheetahs for a long time. He said, ‘They were hunting on either side of the Talek River, so it was not surprising that they wanted to cross the river. Normally, they would step across the stones, but this year, due to the heavy rainfall, the flooding made it difficult for them to cross. They went back and forth across the river for a while, looking for a place to cross. Because the water current was very rapid, it was very dangerous. And the Nile is the home of the Nile crocodiles, for them, the cheetahs were a meal.’
Arnfinn Johansen said that on that day, it was possible that people could have been hurt. ‘Not long ago, another famous cheetah was drowned or killed by a crocodile while crossing the river, so it was indeed a big risk. After investigating this area for a long time, the five cheetah brothers began to act.’
First, the leading cheetah jumped into the water, and soon two more jumped in. The smallest two cheetahs waited for a few seconds before following suit.”
Arnfinn Johansen said that the cheetah group was swimming as fast as possible. Fortunately, all the cheetahs arrived safely on the other side. When the leading cheetah shook its fur and tail, it even hissed at the water.
Images from photographers Arnfinn Johansen, Buddhilini De Soyza. To learn more about photography fun and appreciate more excellent photography works, welcome to follow Mi Shifu Photography APP.
