Notwithstanding the wildlife films you see on TV (it’s all made up yah know), I’ve come to the empirical conclusion that Leopards are mythical beasts and are not of this world.  They inhabit a parallel but intersecting universe to ours.  Occasionally, very occasionally, they can materialise in our time and space in all their majesty before just as quickly evaporating the moment you blink.  At least, that’s what it feels like when you are looking for them and, oh so fleetingly, watching them.  When they have gone again, the world is something of a lesser place*.   

Whimsy for sure but on a previous trip to Kenya we only had a fleeting glimpse of one leopard at a distance disappearing down a tree into thick scrub. I have also have met quite a few folk who have not seen a Leopard on a trip.  Consequently, anytime you get to share with a leopard is worth savouring.  This time we were more fortunate and managed to see four leopards in two days but that didn’t happen without a lot of searching, patience and a lot more of not seeing leopards.  It takes a lot of effort to see spots before your eyes…  

Fierce mother.

*I suspect, this may be how we will feel about so much of out wildlife and wild spaces when we have reached the point of no-return.