The internet is ablaze with wildlife sightings and close encounters, but one has truly captivated the internet; a curious leopard climbed onto a stationary game viewer, and the moment was caught on film. But since going viral, it has sparked some important debate.
South Africa (27 March 2025) – Our breath caught in our chests as we watched a young, curious leopard take comfort on the warm bonnet of a game viewing vehicle in the Greater Kruger recently. The moment was caught on camera and has since gone viral around the world. Naturally, most have been captivated by the sighting while others have criticised the safety of allowing such a dangerous animal to get so close to a human.
The viral videos have sparked conversations and debates regarding ethical guiding and what is expected in these situations. We had hoped to source the original video as shared by the original poster, but as quickly as the videos are uploaded to one profile, they are pulled from the next. You can view the collection of videos and photos here. However, we cannot guarantee they will remain available online. What we have been able to confirm is where the incident took place and what is being said by the officials directly involved.
The Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge, which is a private concession on the Greater Kruger National Park, is based in the Mluwati River. The team values guest safety above all else, and after backlash for the encounter, the team shared a statement regarding the protocol for wildlife encounters; although one can never truly prepare for the spontaneity of a curious leopard cub.
“We wish to address an unfortunate incident involving a young male leopard, that has recently displayed unusually inquisitive behavior towards the safari vehicles. Footage has been shared showing this young leopard jumping onto the bonnet of a Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge vehicle. The incident took place during a sighting whilst two cubs and their mother were feeding on an impala. The situation quickly escalated when the male cub moved towards the vehicle and unexpectedly jumped up. SANParks officials were immediately notified of the incident.
We would like to firmly reiterate that Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge does not condone this type of interaction in any form. Our strict protocols are designed to protect both our guests and the wildlife we are privileged to observe, ensuring that all encounters happen in a safe and respectful manner. Guest safety, responsible wildlife viewing, and the respectful preservation of natural behavior are at the heart of everything we do.”
It is incredibly rare for a leopard to act in this manner, but perhaps being emboldened by its full belly, the safety of its mother nearby and the frivolity of youth, it acted on its impulse to explore. Being so young, the leopard will learn to shy away from humans, from passing vehicles and from acting on its curiosities. But what can humans learn from this situation?
As much as guides have a code of ethics they are meant to follow, guests should have one too. If you find yourself able to go on a game drive with a guide, don’t ever put pressure on them to get the best spots for viewing. With their potential earnings tied up in tips, guides often try to give their guests the best experience. This is being felt in the Kruger National Park daily, and there is constant debate on forums regarding the park and guided vehicles.
If you are on a self-drive too, your behaviour dictates how animals react around you. There are means and methods that people employ to get the animals to behave in ways that are picture-perfect but very unethical. Having witnessed some first-hand, we can only urge people to be better! Just sit by and watch nature be natural.
While the viral video has sparked the conversation on ethical behaviour, it is also a chance to self-reflect. Our encounters with wild animals should always be limited not only for our own safety, but for the preservation of wildlife as a whole. Just like our very own children learn from behaviours at home, animals learn too. So let’s not teach them any lessons in behaving badly for our own enjoyment.
Don’t feed the animals, don’t lure them with enticing scents, don’t play animal calls to draw their attention and just give them the space they are entitled to. Whenever you are in the wild, you are in their home. We should all respect that. We encourage you to read up on ethical safari behaviours and how to adhere to them when heading out on an adventure.
As for this encounter, it’s a tough call because we don’t have the full picture, so making a judgment on the situation feels wrong. All we can do now is learn. Learn to be better next time something like this happens. And it probably will.
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