Camera: Nikon Z9

Lens: 800 mm VR 6.3 Nikon

Aperture: 6.3

Shutter speed: 1/1250

ISO: 1000

Description: Young cheetah cubs excited to see their mom return, although not with a kill

Story from behind the lens: On my first ever trip to the Mara, I was exceptionally lucky when my wonderful guide Ben found 4 cheetah cubs prob a couple of months old with their mom. We went to check them again later and found them alone looking desperately for their mom, who apparently had left them to try and hunt. Since this was my first ever time, I felt somewhat desperate as well for their mom return, partially knowing that mothers just have to go and leave their cubs alone. They were trying to hide in the tall grass. But as soon as they saw their mom return, they threw the cautions aside and ran like crazy to get to their mother. It was amazing to see this behavior, let alone being able to photograph the wonderful nature of this encounter! I was so excited that I actually was trembling with joy! WHAT A MOMENT! It was the first time but CERTAINLY NOT THE LAST TIME that I visit this unique place!!