Fig the Leopard (Part 3)

“Go softly in the world; if it is harmed, it cannot return.”

—Nigerian Proverb

They say a leopard’s eyes are blue—this was the day I learned it’s true.

There comes a choice point on safari when the action seems to come to a natural close— stay or go? The curve of vehicles that had gathered a respectful distance from Fig’s tree began to break up, heading off to search for other wildlife. We hesitated. Fig is like an alluring siren. Caught in her magnetic appeal, we stayed. The heat of the day was rising. Would she remain up in the tree or seek some shade? As if reading our minds Fig sat up, stretched, and descended in 3 easy steps like she was walking down stairs.

The only thing between Fig and the cover of the creek bed were 4 land cruisers arranged in a zig-zag pattern. She headed directly towards the first truck, paused in the shade of its bumper, then made a beeline to the second.

When she made it to truck #2, she slid underneath and lay down! What do you do when there’s a leopard under your vehicle?

You wait, of course—quietly and respectfully. The rest of us did the same. Fig enjoyed the respite from the sun for about 15 minutes. We signaled our friends when she started to exit her lair. I remembered how easily she’d climbed that tree…

With a leopard stare Fig departed and carried on. Panting from the heat, next she headed straight for our vehicle. My mind was occupied with firing off as many shots as possible. A full-frontal leopard shot—a photographer’s dream.

Without hesitation, she disappeared under our truck! Now we were dependent on signals from our friends as to what she was doing and where she was hiding. Based on hand waves, I figured she was right under my seat. I set my camera, leaned out and waited.

As soon as I saw her nose my finger hit the shutter. In one heart stopping, moment Fig and I locked eyes through the lens. Respect, awe, and wonder all in one breath. Not until later did I realize indeed, her eyes are blue.

Fig continued on the final stretch to her destination. Fascinated, I watched her flatten herself against the ground as if her body was on hydraulics. Like a stalker, she worked her way towards the last truck, made a brief pause there, then disappeared into the bushes.

That one fierce glare between Fig and me etched her permanently into my heart. Two years later I couldn’t believe my luck when we met up again, but that’s a story for the next chapter.

Support Heartfelt Endeavors. Purchase a Fig and Figlet card today.

A percentage of your purchase will support charities like these.