A photograph of two cheetah in the Masai Mara in Kenya. Known as the Mbili Bora, brothers Winda and Olonyok were fearless hunters of the Masai Mara and an amazing team. Sadly, Winda sustained severe injuries during a recent hunt, including a broken leg. He was treated by the veterinary team but despite this and the vigilant companionship of his brother, Olonyok, he died on 15th March 2025.
Last March, we spent time with both of them on more than one occasion - just sitting and watching as they slept, kept watch and washed each other. It was amazing just to be in their company.
In the wild, cheetahs face numerous challenges, and injuries sustained during hunts can be particularly devastating. Their reliance on speed and agility means that any compromise to their limbs severely impacts
their ability to hunt and survive. At 10.5 years old Winda’s injuries were just too severe for him to survive.
Winda’s story is one of resilience. He was one of the famous Tano Bora once the most formidable coalition of 5 cheetah in the Mara, he defied the odds for a decade, a rare feat for a male cheetah in the wild. He lived through battles, changes, and the loss of his brothers. Now, only one remains, Olonyok, the last of the five.
Run free handsome boy. RIP Winda
Photographs taken on safari with our guide #retomike
whilst staying at the #spiritofthemasaimara
#WindaTheCheetah #MbiliBora #TanoBora
#WildlifePhotography #CheetahLegacy
#Cheetahsofafrica #AfricanCheetah #MasaiMara
#cheetahenthusiast #olonyok #canonr5
Winda was one of the famous Tano Bora, once a most formidable coalition of 5 cheetah in the Mara. He lived a long life for a male cheetah in the wild. He lived through battles, changes, & the loss of his brothers. Now, only one remains, Olonyok, the last of the five
Run free handsome boy. #Winda