Cheetah

I never thought that I'd be able to approach this predator to this close range (~50 feet), but that's exactly what happened on this afternoon at Zimanga. The resident cats have learned to tolerate photographers, so intimate views are routine on this property. Though I started towards this individual with my 100-400, I retreated and swapped in my 600 so that I could achieve maximum bokeh and subject isolation. A quick whistle was used to get the cat's attention. I just love the bold black streaks around the muzzle. It was a really amazing encounter.

Zimanga Private Game Reserve, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, 10/27/22
Canon 600mm f/4 IS II on EOS R5
1/500 at f/4, ISO 1600