Khushil Hirani

Camera: Nikon Z7II

Lens: Sigma 150-600mm f/5.6-6.3

Aperture: f/6.3

Shutter speed: 1/800

ISO: 1000

Description: The reflection you see in the cub's eyes is it's only beacon of hope. Behind that delicate face lies a constant fear of whether or not it will make it through to see the next day.

Story from behind the lens: I have never seen such a small cheetah cub as Imani's furball. This image was taken right before an unforgettable ordeal whereby careless Imani decided to cross the swollen Talek river, leaving her cub on the opposite bank. The current would have easily swept the cub away, but luckily Imani thought better of it and crossed back to comfort her distressed cub.