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Photographers Get To Witness 5 Cheetahs Crossing A Flooded River Infested With Crocodiles
A group of people were exploring the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Suddenly, they spotted a cheetah family gathering on the edge of a river. The river was flooded, its current was strong, but the animals didn’t care. They had just one goal in mind — crossing it — and they decided to go for it.
The biggest cheetahs leaped into the water, and the travelers immediately lost their breath. Soon, the other two followed. As everyone waited in anticipation, guessing whether the swimmers will make it to the other side, photographers Arnfinn Johansen and Buddhilini De Soyza seized the opportunity and took out their cameras. Both of them managed to perfectly capture the drama that unfolded.
Arnfinn Johansen: arnfinnjohansen.com | Facebook | Instagram
Buddhilini De Soyza: buddhilini.com | Instagram
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Image credits: Media Drum Images / Buddhilini De Soyza
Image credits: Media Drum Images / Buddhilini De Soyza
Photographer Arnfinn Johansen said he had been following the five cheetahs for a long time. “They hunt on both sides of the Talek River, [so it’s no wonder] they wanted to cross it. Normally, they would cross the river by walking on stones but this year, it had been raining for a long time and because of the flooding, it was very difficult for them to do so,” Johansen explained to Bored Panda. “They were walking up and down the river for quite a while, searching for a place to get to the other side. Because of the strong current, it was really dangerous. Also, that river is home to the Nile Crocodile for whom a cheetah can be an easy meal.”
Image credits: Arnfinn Johansen
Johansen said that casualties were definitely possible that day. “Not long ago, another well-known cheetah drowned or got killed by the crocs when it was crossing the same river so it really was a big risk. After surveying the area for a long time, the five cheetah brothers went for it.”
Image credits: Media Drum Images / Buddhilini De Soyza
“First, the leader cheetah jumped into the river, and two more soon followed. The two smallest cheetahs in the group waited for a few seconds before they followed as well.”
Image credits: Arnfinn Johansen
Image credits: Arnfinn Johansen
Image credits: Arnfinn Johansen
Image credits: Arnfinn Johansen
Image credits: Arnfinn Johansen
Johansen said the pack were swimming as fast as they could. “You really could see they didn’t like it.” Luckily, all of the cheetahs managed to get to the other side alive, and when the leader cheetah shook his fur and his tail, he even hissed at the river.
Image credits: Arnfinn Johansen
Image credits: Media Drum Images / Buddhilini De Soyza
Image credits: Media Drum Images / Buddhilini De Soyza
Image credits: Media Drum Images / Buddhilini De Soyza
Image credits: Media Drum Images / Buddhilini De Soyza
Image credits: Arnfinn Johansen
Image credits: Arnfinn Johansen
Here’s what people said about the astonishing photos
What do you think ?
Natasha Forchione 5 years ago
They really look like they were struggling, glad they made it safe.
Gale Langseth Vester 5 years ago
‘and when the leader cheetah shook his fur and his tail, he even hissed at the river.‘ Good for you, lead cheetah! Next time, p**s at it! :-0
hobbitly 5 years ago
Is it me does that look like a tornado at its tail? (When it gets out of the water) Or what is that?
Night Owl 5 years ago
I'm guessing that was right at the end of the shaking off the water (which goes from head to tail, like with dogs) and before the hissing ("and when the leader cheetah shook his fur and his tail, he even hissed at the river")
Load More Replies...
Melissa Nunya 5 years ago
My house panther made the same face the one time she had to be bathed.
Up All Night 4 years ago
They do it to make the nostrils narrower thus keep the water out.
Load More Replies...
Meyer Weinstock 5 years ago
Why did the cheetah cross the river? To get to the other side... Why did the cheetah cross the river? To get to the Cheetos... Why did the cheetah cross the river? To get away from the "Cheaters" camera crew...
Ian Wrigley 5 years ago
I love it! Also, all on one page. Still get your ad content in. Take note internet, no click 38 pages to see the result...
Mark Comerford 5 years ago
It is remarkable that (5) cheetah brothers survived to adulthood, a tribute to their mother.
Patty Coleman 3 years ago
Incredible photos, I can enjoy them more knowing they made it to safety.
Eulalie Grace 4 years ago
Took a bit for me to watch this. Glad they all made it. Between rushing water and crocs, I was not sure.
Jane Zimmerman 4 years ago
This is truly one of the BEST posts I've ever seen! Including all comments, anxious and hilarious BOTH!!
Christine M Quigley 5 years ago
Their facial expressions said it all!! "Must swim faster, faster,..hurry up, Frank..."
Tifferooski 5 years ago
I feel like there's probably an Egyptian painting of this happening at some point.
Troy Currie 5 years ago
They can run 60 MPH for short periods. I can imagine what their legs looked like under water...especially when they hit that rough patch and bearing their teeth under the strain.
Vataman Mihaela 5 years ago
Majestic animals. A cat will still be a cat no matter if she/he knows how to swim. They prefer staying dry. Gorgeous pictures
Kathleen Poole 5 years ago
Four went in, I only see pictures of two on the other side. Where are the other two? They didn't see crocodiles basking on the bank?
Phyllicia Goh 5 years ago
Holding my breath while scrolling through. Whew, luckily they made it! Was expecting to see some crocodiles peaking or lurking in the background tho. Fantastic pics!
Natasha Forchione 5 years ago
They really look like they were struggling, glad they made it safe.
Gale Langseth Vester 5 years ago
‘and when the leader cheetah shook his fur and his tail, he even hissed at the river.‘ Good for you, lead cheetah! Next time, p**s at it! :-0
hobbitly 5 years ago
Is it me does that look like a tornado at its tail? (When it gets out of the water) Or what is that?
Night Owl 5 years ago
I'm guessing that was right at the end of the shaking off the water (which goes from head to tail, like with dogs) and before the hissing ("and when the leader cheetah shook his fur and his tail, he even hissed at the river")
Load More Replies... Melissa Nunya 5 years ago
My house panther made the same face the one time she had to be bathed.
Up All Night 4 years ago
They do it to make the nostrils narrower thus keep the water out.
Load More Replies... Meyer Weinstock 5 years ago
Why did the cheetah cross the river? To get to the other side... Why did the cheetah cross the river? To get to the Cheetos... Why did the cheetah cross the river? To get away from the "Cheaters" camera crew...
Ian Wrigley 5 years ago
I love it! Also, all on one page. Still get your ad content in. Take note internet, no click 38 pages to see the result...
Mark Comerford 5 years ago
It is remarkable that (5) cheetah brothers survived to adulthood, a tribute to their mother.
Patty Coleman 3 years ago
Incredible photos, I can enjoy them more knowing they made it to safety.
Eulalie Grace 4 years ago
Took a bit for me to watch this. Glad they all made it. Between rushing water and crocs, I was not sure.
Jane Zimmerman 4 years ago
This is truly one of the BEST posts I've ever seen! Including all comments, anxious and hilarious BOTH!!
Christine M Quigley 5 years ago
Their facial expressions said it all!! "Must swim faster, faster,..hurry up, Frank..."
Tifferooski 5 years ago
I feel like there's probably an Egyptian painting of this happening at some point.
Troy Currie 5 years ago
They can run 60 MPH for short periods. I can imagine what their legs looked like under water...especially when they hit that rough patch and bearing their teeth under the strain.
Vataman Mihaela 5 years ago
Majestic animals. A cat will still be a cat no matter if she/he knows how to swim. They prefer staying dry. Gorgeous pictures
Kathleen Poole 5 years ago
Four went in, I only see pictures of two on the other side. Where are the other two? They didn't see crocodiles basking on the bank?
Phyllicia Goh 5 years ago
Holding my breath while scrolling through. Whew, luckily they made it! Was expecting to see some crocodiles peaking or lurking in the background tho. Fantastic pics!
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