In an astonishing encounter, a photographer found himself lying side by side with a cheetah on an African game reserve.
The awe-inspiring image displays the graceful, spotted predator as it calmly poses next to the photographer, looking directly into the camera lens.
Fortunately, the majestic feline appeared uninterested in hunting the man by her side. A 39-year-old German photographer, Chris Du Plessis, snapped this extraordinary photo at Tshukudu Game Lodge in Hoedspruit, South Africa. He captured himself working alongside the big wild cat using a remote device.
The striking female cheetah, named Mtombi, is accustomed to the camp but continues to roam freely and hunt for herself.
Chris explained that Mtombi is a rescued cheetah at the Marula Camp, Tshukudu Game Lodge. He described the mesmerizing experience: “The loud sound of her purr is just amazing, and I could feel her warm body against me; I could feel she was relaxed with me next to her.”
Although he enjoyed the unique moment, Chris remained cautious, aware that wild animals can never be fully trusted.
He was prepared for a sudden attack but managed to lie comfortably beside Mtombi for about five minutes.
Later, it was revealed that Mtombi had sensed a nearby pride of wild lions, which can be seen in her focused gaze in the photo.
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