13/12/2025
This morning in the Masai Mara, a cheetah by the name Nora 13 years old was killed by a leopard. While such interactions do occur naturally, it must be stated clearly that the situation was heavily influenced by human presence.
At the time of the incident, the cheetah was surrounded by vehicles. Poor vehicle positioning, excessive numbers, and continuous noise from radios, guides, and guests severely compromised the cheetah’s ability to scan her surroundings. For a species that depends entirely on clear visibility and early detection to avoid danger, this level of disturbance is unacceptable.
This incident highlights a failure to manage space, noise, and conduct around wildlife. Whether intentional or not, crowding an animal, blocking sightlines, and prioritizing sightings over welfare directly increases risk to the animals we claim to protect.
This is not about assigning blame to one individual, but it is about accountability. As professional guides and responsible operators, we are expected to uphold ethical standards at all times especially in high-pressure sightings involving vulnerable species like cheetahs.
Let this serve as a clear reminder:
• Vehicles must never surround an animal
• Adequate viewing distance and escape routes must always be maintained
• Radio communication and unnecessary noise must be kept to an absolute minimum
• Wildlife welfare must always come before photographs, competition, or guest pressure
The Masai Mara is a wild ecosystem, not a stage for tourism. Our actions have consequences. Incidents like this damage not only wildlife, but the credibility of our profession.
We must do better immediately and consistently.
Nora have been evading bigger predators for over a decade. But today she succumbed to death with the help of those who purport to be the guardians.
RIP Nora. Gone but not forgotten.