By SOPHIA STANFORD, NEWS REPORTER
Published: | Updated:
A remarkable family of leopards has dazzled naturalists after a rare black leopard was seen in northern Kenya tending to her two young leopard cubs who had normal prints.
The seven-year-old mother, Giza, was last seen a year ago and has become renowned for her unique fur.
The sighting is exceptionally rare, as black leopards are seldom seen in Africa, particularly in its open savannas.
Wildlife photographer Andy Rouse spotted Giza and her two normally coloured cubs, Zawadi and Nyota, in Laikipia earlier this month.
The affection shown within the family is similarly unusual, since the cubs are independent and can fend for themselves, yet Giza still shares her food.
Mr Rouse said: 'Giza is a seven–year–old female black leopard and she is still taking care of her cubs, even though they are two years old.
A rare black leopard was seen in northern Kenya tending to her two young leopard cubs who have normal prints
The typical leopard prints could just be seen in the sunlight despite having all-black fur
The seven–year–old mother, Giza, was last seen a year ago and has become renowned for her unique fur
The affection shown within the family is similarly unusual, since the cubs are independent and can fend for themselves, yet Giza still shares her food
'She is very affectionate between them and she's a great mother.
'The affection between them is unusual as two–year–old Zawadi and her brother Nyota are fully independent and fending for themselves.
'Yet, we witnessed Giza make a kill, feed on some herself and then she went and got Zawadi and brought her to it to feed.'