The Famous Five are reduced to two. Lebo, of the celebrated Maasai Mara cheetah coalition died last week. The cause of his death is unknown, likely he was killed by lions. Known as the Tano Bora (The Magnificent Five in Maa), they were a partnership of 5 male cheetahs who patrolled the Maasai Mara for over 5 years.

“Cheetahs are my favourite animal,” said the British guest sitting opposite me at the dinner table. “I’d do anything to have one as a pet.” I paused, stunned, my fork halfway to my mouth. Incredulous, I responded, “You want a cheetah as a house pet?”

Can you tell a leopard from its spots? Seeing either a leopard or cheetah on the African savanna is always a special treat. Both leopards and cheetahs have long tails with white tips.

When I met her two years ago, Figlet was a young cub. Now a mature leopard, with a signature bright white tail, she was as beautiful and self-assured as her mother Fig. Nelson revved the wheels and maneuvered the truck so we were directly in Figlet’s path. Undeterred she came straight for us, her eyes focused on some unseen destination.