This Springbok Was Leaping And Jumping But It Could Not Evade The Cheetahs That Were In Hot Pursuit

By Katie Evans

INCREDIBLE images showcase the moment a skilled photographer captured a dramatic cheetah kill whilst on safari in South Africa.

The action-packed photographs were taken just as the cheetahs descended from the sand dunes of the Kalahari Transfrontier Park. The up-close pictures show the cheetahs hungrily chasing their pray, a Springbok Fawn, as it darts to avoid capture.

The sensational photographs were taken by multiple award-winning wildlife photographer Bridgena Barnard who travels her home country of South Africa capturing undisturbed wildlife.

“Patience and perseverance in sweltering heat paid off and in return, we got a memory that will last a lifetime,” said Bridgena.

“This was my twelfth Cheetah chase. I knew my chance to capture a good one would increase if I learned from every disappointment.

“I started to recognize behaviour and almost a pattern and strategy from some cheetah’s. But this day everything came together.”

Raised on a farm in South Africa, Barnard developed a love for nature from a very young age.

Cheetah’s are the fastest land animal in the world, reaching top speeds of 70mph. Due to this, their sprints normally only last up to 20 seconds, supported by their light weight and long body.

“Growing up in Africa, you live close to nature and you learn to love and respect it in its full glory.  Appreciation of my heritage prompted me and encouraged my Photography.

“I also realised later that Photography is a mighty tool for education and conservation.”

You can see more of Bridgena’s work at http://www.images-at-bridgena.com/news.html