Remembering Cheetahs: Book series competition names 10 photographers to save big cats

Don’t let the ferocious, furry face of a cheetah fool you – take a peek at the softer side of the world’s fastest animal in a new photography competition to help save the species.

There is much more to cheetahs than their spots.

They are the world’s fastest land animal, topping speeds of up to 112km/h in just three seconds – and, as seen in Remembering Wildlife’s 2020 photography competition, they are some of the cutest.

Ten photographers – named winners in this year’s awards – have successfully captured the unfamiliar, sensitive side of the ferocious feline.

As the saying goes, “a cheetah will never change its spots” – but why would you want it to when they are this adorable. Picture: Sue Morris

Their entries will go on to be published in Remembering Wildlife’s forthcoming charity book, Remembering Cheetahs, which will help to protect and showcase the beauty of the world’s most endangered big cat. There are only 7100 left in the wild.

Dee Roelofsz’s image of a cheetah and cubs in the Rietvlei Nautyre Reserve, South Africa. Picture: Francesco Veronesi

Benoit Bussard’s close up image of a cheetah in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. Picture: Benoit Bussard

Photographer Andy Howe’s submission of cubs curiously staring at the camera in The Maasai Mara, Kenya, is one of the most adorable entries about.

Andy Howe’s gorgeous shot of cheetah cubs in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. Picture: Andy Howe

Other’s applauded for capturing cheetahs in their natural state include Bertus Venter’s entry of one cat wandering the Etosha National Park, Namibia; Sue Morris’ shot of a grooming session between three in Ndutu, Tanzania; and Robert L Keyser III’s image of cheetah cubs attempting to climb a tree in Maasai Mara, Kenya.

Vicki Jauron’s image of cheetahs in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. Picture: Vicki Jauron

Dee Roelofsz’s image “Focused”, capturing a cheetah in high grass and flowers, is another showstopper.

In a Facebook post, the South African photographer said: “I am absolutely thrilled & honoured to have just found out that my EWT Cheetah image ‘Focused’ has made it into the Top 10 finalists and will be included in the new Remembering Cheetahs book due out in October!

Dee Roelofsz’s image “Focused” of a cheetah in high grass and flowers. Picture: Dee Roelofsz

Robert L Keyser III’s image of two cheetah cubs attempting to climb a tree. Picture: Robert L Keyser III

“The series is made up of the most beautiful, big exquisitely printed coffee table books, of which Remembering Cheetahs will be the newest edition!”

Bertus Venter’s image of a cheetah wandering the Etosha National Park, Namibia, alone. Picture: Bertus Venter

Remembering Cheetahs will be published on October 12, with the 10 winning images printed alongside other striking shots donated by leading wildlife photographers, including Marsel van Oosten, Jonathan and Angela Scott, Frans Lanting, Greg du Toit, and Charlie Hamilton James.

Fred Vogt’s image of cheetahs gallivanting across the Maasai Mara, Kenya. Picture: Fred Vogt

Remembering Cheetahs will be Remembering Wildlife’s fifth book series, with the competition attracting more than 2400 entries this year.

Remembering Cheetahs, a new book.

It will contribute to the series, which has donated £622,854 ($A1.14 million) to 40 projects across 23 countries since it was founded in 2016.

Ben Cranke’s image of a cheetah stretching in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. Picture: Ben Cranke