Among Africa’s apex predators, only African wild dogs enjoy a higher hunting success rate than cheetahs. Their prowess is thanks largely to their incredible speed and agility.
As the fastest land mammal on Earth, few prey species can escape them. However, as we see in this footage, if they fail to prepare, they prepare to fail.
Open woodland
As the footage begins, we see one of two cheetahs making its way through the long grass of an open woodland. With few obstacles, this is ideal hunting terrain.
However, the open terrain means the cheetahs are clearly visible. As we hear the alarm calls of impalas, we realise that this hunt is not off to a good start.
Not strictly solitary
Subsequently, as the camera pans back to the right, we see the second cheetah, making no effort to hunt.
Although cheetahs are typically solitary, they occasionally hunt in small groups. This is the case when mothers have grown cubs and when males form alliances.
On the alert
Meanwhile, the camera pans back to the left, revealing a large herd of impalas adjacent to thick riverine bush.
The whole herd is on the alert. With so many scanning for danger, the chances of a successful hunt are dwindling by the moment. Consequently, while some keep watch, others decide it’s time to run.
Cheetahs are most successful when they manage to stalk within striking distance before launching their attack.
Strange tactics
But as the cheetah reappears in the open, it is obvious it has decided to forego this tactic. However, it may be spooking the herd to see if there are any sick or injured animals in their midst.
Whatever the case, from what we can see, the cheetah doesn’t get even remotely close to the impala. As for the impala, they scatter in all directions. While some head for the thickets, two of them outflank the predator and run in behind it.
New opportunity?
In doing so, the two rams have inadvertently gotten themselves into a tricky situation. Possibly unaware of the second cheetah, they are now sandwiched between the two cats.
However, the second cheetah seems to realise that there is no point in pursuing them. Instead, it watches its partners’ inept attempts at hunting.
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Trying hard or hardly trying?
In the next scene, we catch up with the first cheetah. As before, it seems to be running around in circles, easily outmanoeuvred by the vigilant impalas.
As the footage ends, the overly confident predator is last seen running back towards the thick vegetation by the river.
Perhaps it would be better off returning to its partner and rethinking their hunting strategy.
Hungry or inexperienced?
One can’t help but wonder what method there was in this apparent madness. By making no attempt to conceal themselves on their approach, the hunt was pretty much over before it began.
The two most likely explanations are desperate hunger or inexperience. Whatever the case, we can only hope they learnt something from the experience.
Woman Adopts Her Perfect Dog, But One Heartbreaking Vet Visit Changes Everything
In the vast sea of dog stories, this particular one had me break into a million pieces! Taylor and Ozzie’s story is real proof of how incredible the bond between dogs and humans can be.
You laugh together, cry together, you share the most intimate secrets and moments, and you just can’t imagine living life without each other anymore! But, what do you do when everything goes wrong? What happens then?
Ozzy’s life story will reveal how truly inspiring the human-dog bond can be, even in what can only be called the worst of times.
Ozzie Was The Perfect Dog
Source: @livingdogfriendly
Taylor adopted Ozzie at just a few weeks of age. She looked on Craigslist for puppies needing to be rehomed and saw a picture of a floppy-eared, brown pup with one blue and one brown eye – and she instantly fell in love!
Ozzie looked like the perfect dog, and the fact that she had to drive from North Carolina all the way to Washington D.C. didn’t stop her! She was inclined to adopt him!
“I was in college, didn’t have that much money, had 3 roommates, was in school full time, played tennis for college full time, and worked part time. How could I fit a puppy into that schedule,” Taylor wrote on Instagram.
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The two formed an amazing bond right off the bat! He was just an amazing pup that adapted into the new life in no time. In a way, both Taylor and Ozzie shared the same hobbies and interests.
Both loved hiking, going to the beach, walking in the park, and basically any outdoor activity.
“He is THE adventure guy. He loves to go hiking, to the beach, kayaking, in the snow, to breweries, parks, literally you put him in the car (or on a train, yes, he has been on a train) and he is ready for the adventure,” wrote Taylor.
Every time they had a chance to embark on a new adventure – they took it! Ozzie has always been an adventurous boi, and that really made his new mom fall in love with him even more!
Source: @livingdogfriendly
Years later, Taylor and her partner adopted another dog, Lulu, who became Ozzie’s best friend.
The two formed an incredible bond and really enjoyed each other’s company. Their playtime was practically a zoomie-show, and despite the fact that both were so energetic, they would always end the day with the sweetest snuggling ever!
Several amazing years later, Taylor noticed Ozzie limping, and she immediately rushed him to the vet. Unfortunately, the diagnosis was horrible!
The Devastating Vet Visit
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The vet took Ozzie to do some X-rays, and ten minutes later, he came out with the heartbreaking diagnosis. Ozzie suffered from osteosarcoma – a bone tumor and he only had a couple of months to live.
After receiving the news, Taylor was devastated. She called her husband who immediately left work and came. Luckily, there was one option to extend Ozzie’s life for several extra months – the amputation of his front leg and chemo.
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The couple didn’t think twice. They agreed to subject Ozzie to treatment despite all the hardship and extra commitment that awaited.
But, even through his surgery – Ozzie was just the most enthusiastic, happiest boi! He didn’t take the smile off his face even for one bit. He was a real fighter, and so were his parents!
Ozzie got his own, big bag that Taylor and her husband got just for walks. As he didn’t have so much strength (especially after chemo) to hike and walk like he used to, the couple carried him on their back, sometimes even for several miles.
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A post shared by Lulu & forever Ozzie (@livingdogfriendly)
They just couldn’t stand the idea of Ozzie not being able to enjoy his favorite things – and this was the only way to do it. His mom and dad did everything to make his quality of life better, and despite his progressing disease, Ozzie enjoyed every single moment!
The entire family helped Ozzie during his journey. Taylor’s dad, who was also battling cancer and lived in another state, felt the need to support this big boi. He’d send ice cream for Ozzie after every chemo session, which was just the cutest thing ever.
And, Lulu was just the greatest sister ever. Normally, she’s extremely hyper, but once she realized her brother was in pain, she turned into the gentlest sibling ever.
Your Memory Will Be Preserved, Good Boi
Source: @livingdogfriendly
After months of battling with his terminal disease, Ozzie sadly crossed the rainbow bridge. He lost the battle with cancer in March 2023 and went to eternal sleep.
Taylor and her husband were very heartbroken to part ways with Ozzie, but the fact that this beautiful boi had an amazing life till his last breath helped them cope.
“You touched so many lives, more than I had ever imagined a dog could. The love you gave was ever present and you lit up every room you walked into,” Taylor wrote in the touching Instagram post.
Ozzie was a unique dog, and he indeed made his family’s life so beautiful! Taylor and her family have moved to a new home in Virginia, but if I can say one thing with certainty, it’s that his legacy will certainly be remembered by his loved ones… Forever!
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