Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 2 hrs ago
Rare black leopard seen caring for two-year-old cubs in Kenya
A rare black leopard was seen with her two cubs in Kenya’s Laikipia region earlier this month.
The seven-year-old mother, named Giza, was photographed by wildlife photographer Andy Rouse.
Black leopards are seldom seen in Africa, especially in open savannas.
Her two cubs, Zawadi and Nyota, have the usual leopard markings and are two years old.
They are independent and can find food for themselves, but Giza still shares food with her cubs.
After making a kill, she ate some and brought Zawadi over to feed; no further developments were reported.
A rare black leopard was seen caring for her two normally coloured cubs in Kenya’s Laikipia region.
The seven-year-old mother, named Giza, was photographed with Zawadi and Nyota earlier this month.
Wildlife photographer Andy Rouse said Giza shared food with the two-year-old cubs, although they are independent.
Black leopards are seldom seen in Africa, particularly in open savannas.
- Who
- Giza, a seven-year-old black leopard, and her cubs, Zawadi and Nyota.
- What
- Giza was seen caring for and sharing food with her two-year-old cubs.
- When
- Earlier in October 2026; the exact date is not stated.
- Where
- Laikipia, in northern Kenya.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Giza was last seen.
Andy Rouse spotted Giza with Zawadi and Nyota in Laikipia.
- Mother
- Giza, a seven-year-old black leopard
- Cubs
- Zawadi and Nyota, both two years old
- Location
- Laikipia, northern Kenya
- Photographer
- Andy Rouse
- Sighting
- Earlier in October 2026
What people are saying
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.
She is very affectionate between them and she's a great mother.