Two six week old Leopard Cubs

This morning, we woke at the crack of dawn, though sleep had been restless with anticipation of what the new day might bring—the possibility of the Piccadilly leopardess reuniting with her two cubs at their den among the granite boulders along the Mlowati River. The alarm rang early at 4:30 AM, and as we stirred, the distant calls of hyenas and lions echoed through the cool morning air.

We set off at 5:15 AM, ahead of the other vehicles, with a clear plan: to reach the den site at first light. Knowing that Piccadilly had lost her carcass to two other leopards the night before and hadn’t reunited with her cubs in over 24 hours, the chances were high that she would return to bond and nurse them.

As we drove through the darkness, sipping coffee, I ensured we were prepared. We organized our gear, adjusted our camera settings for the soft morning light, and double-checked everything—small details that can make or break a sighting. From past experience, I’ve learned, sometimes the hard way, that nature’s most extraordinary moments are fleeting. There are no second chances, no reenactments.

As we approached the granite outcrops, we were met with an incredible sight—Piccadilly resting atop an open rock face. The moment we parked, her two six-week-old cubs rushed to her, their tiny bodies full of excitement. They greeted her with affectionate nudges, received a tender grooming session, and then settled in to nurse.

The scene before us was pure magic. In just three minutes, we witnessed an intimate and deeply emotional moment, almost too perfect to believe. Everything had aligned—the timing, the setting, and our readiness to capture it. These are the moments that stay with you forever, and thanks to our cameras, we have a piece of it preserved for eternity.

Thank you, universe, for this extraordinary gift.