The moment I saw my first Cheetah
A story of patience, wild dreams, and one unforgettable encounter in Loisaba.
When I think back to the first time I saw a wild cheetah, it doesn’t feel real. I was standing on a hillside in Loisaba Conservancy, eyes scanning the land, heart quiet with anticipation. It was during a static spotting session one of many we did as part of the Cheetah Project.Then suddenly something shifted in the golden distance. A flicker of movement, nearly lost in the landscape. At first, I thought it was a shadow cast by the afternoon sun on the rocks. But then it moved again. Smooth. Intentional. A cheetah.We were three days into the Cheetah Project, driven by the shared hope of spotting one of these elusive cats. Countless hours had passed with our eyes glued to binoculars, scanning Loisaba’s endless mosaic of land which include savannahs, hillsides and bushlands. Each drive began with quiet optimism and ended with a bit more urgency in our hearts. The silence of no sighting began to weigh heavier.
But we weren’t ready to give up.And then there it was. That flicker of movement down the slope.I didn’t say a word for almost a full minute. My heart pounded with disbelief. A boy from India who once sat cross-legged in front of the TV watching cheetahs on Nat Geo, dreaming of being a wildlife conservationist someday was now here. In the wild. In Africa. Seeing his first cheetah not through a screen, but through his own eyes. Not just as a spectator, but as someone contributing to their conservation.
The dream had come true.
It was more than a sighting. It was a reminder that wild dreams, no matter how distant they seem, are worth chasing.
Loisaba isn’t what most people picture when they think of cheetahs. It’s not just endless grasslands,though those exist too. It’s a living mosaic: sprawling savannahs, tangled bushland, steep rocky slopes, and woodlands tucked between the Mathews Range and the Laikipia Plateau. This diversity doesn’t just support cheetahs,it tests them. It’s here that I truly saw what these animals are capable of. Spotting a cheetah on a rocky hillside rather than in open plains was something I hadn’t imagined. But in Loisaba, adaptability is survival and these cats are masters of it.
We followed the cheetah for hours, weaving through brush and over hills. It moved with practiced precision, slowly edging toward a group of antelope in the distance.There’s a stillness to a cheetah hunt that’s almost meditative. It began with observation long, silent minutes of waiting. Then, it stalked forward, step by careful step. From a slow crawl to a measured trot, and then like a tightly coiled spring an eruption of speed.It wasn’t just breathtaking. It was humbling.
Loisaba Conservancy is more than a wildlife haven it's a blueprint for what conservation can be. Through a powerful mix of science, community partnership, and Eco-tourism, it has built a space where cheetahs and other vulnerable species can thrive.
The Cheetah Project is part of that mission. It supports long-term monitoring and research to understand the challenges cheetahs face in these changing landscapes. Being part of that work, even briefly, changed how I see the wild and our role in it.
Loisaba proves that conservation doesn’t have to be a compromise it can be immersive, intelligent, and deeply inspiring. Visitors aren’t just observers here; they’re part of the story. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing big cats in the wild, witnessing a cheetah hunt, or exploring a landscape that defies expectations,Loisaba is the place. I’m endlessly grateful to Loisaba Conservancy and the Cheetah Project for letting me be part of this story, even for a little while. I carry it with me still.
About the Creator
Basil Sarguroh
Biologist turned storyteller. I write about wild things—nature, science, and the human mess in between. Here to make complex stuff feel simple, weird stuff feel wonderful, and you feel a little more curious.
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Pentagon Contractor Indicted Over Alleged Leak Tied to Raided Washington Post Reporter
A Pentagon contractor has been indicted in connection with an alleged leak tied to a Washington Post reporter, marking a significant escalation in the U.S. government’s scrutiny of leaks involving national security information. The case has raised questions about press freedom, government overreach, and the balance between security and transparency, stirring debates in political, legal, and journalistic circles. Background of the Case According to court documents, the Pentagon contractor is accused of disclosing classified or sensitive information to a Washington Post journalist, whose office was previously raided by federal authorities as part of a leak investigation. The allegations include: Transmitting sensitive information without authorization. Coordinating with journalists who may have used the material in published reports. Potentially compromising national security operations or personnel. Federal prosecutors allege that the contractor knowingly violated U.S. law by disclosing information protected under federal statutes governing classified material. The Washington Post Connection This case is closely linked to a prior federal raid on a Washington Post reporter, an unprecedented action that drew widespread criticism from journalists and press freedom advocates. The raid reportedly aimed to identify the source of leaks regarding sensitive military or defense operations. The indictment of the Pentagon contractor underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to identify and prosecute sources of classified leaks, even when they involve interactions with journalists. Critics argue that such investigations risk chilling investigative reporting and undermining the First Amendment. Legal Details of the Indictment While some details remain sealed due to the sensitive nature of the information, the indictment reportedly charges the contractor with: Unauthorized disclosure of national defense information. Conspiracy to leak classified material. Violation of federal secrecy and security laws. The contractor now faces potential penalties including prison time, fines, and the permanent loss of security clearance. The case will be closely watched by legal experts, media organizations, and policy analysts, as it could set important precedents for how leaks are investigated and prosecuted. Implications for Press Freedom Journalists and press freedom organizations have raised concerns over the broader implications of this case. Key issues include: Chilling effect on investigative journalism: If government employees fear prosecution for speaking to reporters, crucial stories may go unpublished. Source protection: Confidential sources are vital for reporting on matters of public interest, particularly regarding government and military operations. Transparency vs. security: Balancing the public’s right to know with national security interests remains a complex challenge. The Washington Post and other news outlets have emphasized that government actions should respect constitutional protections for press freedom, even when investigating leaks. Government’s Perspective From the government’s standpoint, the case highlights the risks posed by unauthorized disclosures of sensitive information. Officials argue that leaks can: Compromise ongoing military operations. Endanger personnel and intelligence assets. Undermine national security and international relations. Prosecutors assert that the Pentagon contractor acted knowingly and illegally, justifying the indictment as necessary to protect national interests. Previous Leak Cases and Context This indictment comes amid a series of high-profile leak investigations involving U.S. government employees, contractors, and journalists: Previous cases have involved classified defense documents, intelligence reports, and diplomatic cables. Some investigations resulted in prosecutions, while others sparked controversy over press freedom and government overreach. These cases often raise complex legal questions about the definition of classified information and the rights of journalists to report on public interest issues. Legal experts say this Pentagon contractor case may be one of the most significant yet, given its direct tie to a mainstream news outlet. Public and Media Reaction The indictment has elicited strong reactions from multiple sectors: Journalists: Press freedom advocates express concern that prosecuting sources of leaks could intimidate whistleblowers and reporters. Legal analysts: Experts are closely watching how the courts interpret laws governing classified material and the limits of government authority. Policy makers: Some lawmakers have emphasized the need for clearer guidelines on leaks and protections for investigative reporting. Civil liberties organizations have warned that aggressive leak investigations may inhibit government accountability, especially on issues involving national defense and public interest. Potential Outcomes and Next Steps The Pentagon contractor now faces trial proceedings, which may include: Pre-trial motions challenging the scope of evidence and the legality of the indictment. Examination of whether journalists’ communications can be implicated in legal proceedings. Decisions on sentencing if convicted, including potential prison time and fines. Observers predict that the case may also influence future government policies on leak investigations and employee handling of sensitive information. Why This Matters This case illustrates the delicate balance between national security and press freedom. Key takeaways include: Government employees and contractors must exercise caution when handling classified material. Journalists rely on confidential sources to report on matters of public interest. Legal and ethical frameworks must address both the risks of leaks and the protection of free speech. The outcome of this case could set legal precedents affecting not just defense contractors, but journalists, whistleblowers, and government transparency efforts. Final Thoughts The indictment of a Pentagon contractor over an alleged leak linked to a raided Washington Post reporter underscores the complex intersection of national security, law, and press freedom. While the government seeks to protect sensitive information, the case also raises questions about constitutional rights, transparency, and accountability. As proceedings unfold, this case will likely continue to be a touchstone in discussions about how the U.S. balances security concerns with the democratic imperative of a free press, and how future leak investigations are conducted
By Muhammad Hassan6 days ago in Earth
Comments (1)
That must've been an incredible experience! I can only imagine the thrill of finally seeing one after all that waiting. It makes me wonder how you managed to stay so calm in the moment. And what was it like being part of the Cheetah Project? Sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.