Leopard and impala - pre-dinner caresses

The leopard amazed the tourists: in front of their eyes, he caught a frightened little impala, and then ... tried to make friends with her (!?). This big cat seemed to have forgotten that she was a predator - the leopard licked and hugged the impala, frightened to death. True, in the end, hunger took over, and the leopard still remembered that he was a predator. It was in the Kruger National Park in South Africa.

(Total 8 photos)

1. Of course, it was more of a game, especially for the leopard - the impala was in a daze of fear. And some moments of this "meeting" could be mistaken for a manifestation of care.

2. In the Kruger National Park, this leopard is called Nkateko, which means “lucky”. Her mother died of an infection due to an ear injury.

3. Tourists were enjoying a safari when they saw a one-year-old female leopard nearby, who was dragging a still-alive impala cub.

4. She seemed to be playing with her prey. Putting it on the ground, the female leopard calmly waited for the impala to regain strength and try to escape.

5. Every time the victim tried to run away, the tourists screamed with joy, hoping that the baby would be able to hide in the bushes.

6. But the wounded and exhausted impala had no chance against the powerful and agile leopard.

7. Having played enough with his prey, the leopard finally remembered that he was a predator.

8. Soon it was all over for the poor impala. Such is nature!