Most photographers would probably flee if a cheetah charged at full speed, but 51-year-old Adalberto Mangini stood firm to capture these breathtaking slow-motion shots.
The cheetah, part of a breeding program, raced down an enclosed track at an astonishing 70mph, chasing after a fake chicken.
This intense training method at Mukuni Big 5 Safari in Livingstone, Zambia, is part of the animal’s preparation for eventual release into the wild.
Staff at the safari use a fast-moving zip line to mimic real prey, helping the cheetah hone its hunting skills.
Mangini, a photographer from Milan, Italy, described the experience: “My body was completely covered in red dust afterward. The cheetah was moving so fast that the dust was flying everywhere.”
He also marveled at the cheetah’s remarkable speed, adding, “They can accelerate from walking to 40mph in under two seconds. It’s always a special moment to see them in action.”
Before taking the photos, Mangini carefully observed the cheetah’s movements for several days to determine the best vantage point.
However, he ensured a quick escape plan in case the cheetah didn’t stop in time. “I was always ready to move quickly,” he admitted.
Laura Bongiorni, who traveled with Mangini, explained the significance of the breeding program: “Young cheetahs arrive at the center from various locations, mainly South Africa. Both cheetah and lion populations in Zambia have been severely depleted.”
She highlighted the center’s mission to breed cheetahs in captivity and eventually release them into national parks and conservancies across Zambia, where they once thrived but are now on the brink of extinction.
Mangini, a sales manager, reflected on the importance of understanding and respecting these animals.
“Even creatures most people view as wild and dangerous can be approached safely. Never show fear, as they can sense it. Respect them, touch them properly, and talk to them—they’ll recognize your voice over time.”
Cheetahs are considered the most vulnerable of the big cats, largely due to habitat loss and a dwindling supply of prey, making conservation efforts like these critical to their survival.
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