Cheetah Cubs Learn to Hunt in New National Geographic Series

After months of watching mom demonstrate the art of the hunt, three cheetah cubs finally got their chance to chase down a zebra. The results were both heartwarming and comically imperfect.

National Geographic's new series "Cheetahs Up Close" follows wildlife filmmaker Bertie Gregory as he documents these young cats learning essential survival skills. The show streams now on Disney+ and Hulu, bringing viewers closer than ever to one of nature's most elegant predators.

In one memorable moment captured on camera, the tables turned completely. A zebra actually started chasing one of the inexperienced cubs, sending the young hunter sprinting in the opposite direction.

The footage shows what every parent knows: learning by doing beats theory every time. These cubs spent months observing their mother's hunting techniques, but translating that knowledge into action proved trickier than expected.

Sunny's Take

There's something beautifully relatable about watching these cubs stumble through their first attempts at independence. We've all been there, whether it's learning to drive, cook our first meal, or tackle a new job.

Mother cheetahs typically spend 18 months teaching their young everything they need to survive alone. The lessons cover stalking, pouncing, and the lightning-fast sprints that make cheetahs the fastest land animals on Earth.

This particular hunting lesson shows the patience required on both sides. The cubs need countless practice runs before mastering the coordination and timing that makes their species so successful.

Gregory's series captures these intimate family moments without interfering, letting viewers witness the genuine struggle and growth of wild animals. The filmmaker's dedication brings these stories to audiences who might never see a cheetah in person.

These awkward first hunts represent hope for the species. Every cub that successfully learns to hunt increases the chance of stable cheetah populations for future generations.