There was a leopard at Leopard Hills named Makala. She lived around the camp and liked the treadmill. She would come the workout room and stand on the treadmill. She raised cubs that were totally used to the vehicle and very habituated. Unfortunately she was killed. We saw her many years in a row.

At Makanyi there is currently a male leopard. He likes being around the vehicles. I did not believe what the rangers told us about this leopard until I saw it for myself. Rangers stop where he has been seen and he comes out and basically poses for pictures. At one time we had two vehicles. He spent time with one vehicle then moved to the next vehicle. As we drove off he chased the vehicle. When the vehicle stopped he stopped.

These animals do have personalities. We followed a leopard and two cubs over a 3 year time span as we went back every year. When they were tiny one was bold not hiding from the vehicles. The other cub was very timid. We figured the bold one would not make it. However they both survived into adulthood. Over the years those they were no longer together but those same traits were very evident.

This is what make safaris so interesting it is not just "seeing the animals"' but the behavior they exhibit, with other animals and with the vehicles. Just like domestic dogs and cats they are all different.

Sounds awesome!

I remember that Makanyi leopard who followed the vehicles. He behaved just like a really big house cat, preening and seeking attention. I wanted to take him home ! 😀
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Helen