Buddhilini de Soyza's Image

Five male cheetahs strain against the current of the raging Talek River in Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve.

A period of relentless, unseasonable rain at the end of 2019 caused the worst flooding local elders had ever known. Cheetahs are usually strong swimmers, but the unusually turbulent water of the flooded river posed a serious threat.

Dilini spent hours watching nervously from the opposite bank as the coalition, led by the lead male, searched for a suitable place to cross. Calmer stretches of water were likely to conceal lurking crocodiles while the more rapid parts could drag the cheetahs downstream with ease.

'Suddenly, the leader jumped in,' Dilini says, followed loyally by the other four. The strong torrents and underwater currents dragged the cheetahs almost 100 metres downstream.

Eventually, and to Dilini's relief, all five cheetahs made it safely to the other side.

This group is known as the Tano Bora, or 'magnificent five' by the Massai. It is rare to see a coalition as large as this, as male cheetahs are usually solitary or work in pairs, so this group have earned themselves fame on the world stage.

As a changing climate impacts weather patterns worldwide, this unique pack of cheetahs is likely to face more of these perilous situations.

How you can help

• Unseasonable rains and flooding are likely a result of climate change. Consider taking steps to reduce your impact on the planet and help protect nature.
• Find out more about human impact on the natural world and support nature-based solutions to the climate emergency.
• Talk to your family and friends about the importance of biodiversity and the need to protect threatened species like the cheetah.