A legend returns
Eleanor comes back to Ndutu
One of the most common questions we get asked on the cheetah project is “how is Eleanor doing?” Eleanor is now a middle aged cheetah, being around 6 or 7 years old but she became famous a couple of years ago when she produced her first litter of cubs. This litter was of six youngsters and, incredibly, she managed to raise five of them to independence! Considering that cheetah cubs mortality is about 95% and that it was her first litter this was a pretty amazing achievement! Eleanor and her five cubs were very relaxed around the tour cars that would come to see them which only served to further their notoriety. This litter of cubs became independent in 2009 and have all been named after famous jazz singers, Aretha, Etta, Nina, Howling and Wolff.
Since then Eleanor had another litter, although this time of only two cubs, both handsome young males. She hadn’t been seen since February until just a few days ago when she was seen in the Ndutu area with four new little cubs! They looked to be about 4 or 5 months old and were full of energy. Hopefully Eleanor will show us once again what a good mother she is – we’ll keep you posted!
