July Photographer Takeover: Dr. Ralf Tobias and His Lifelong Love for Cheetahs

We’re excited to delve deeper into the world of our current #PhotographerTakeover feature, Dr. Ralf Tobias. His photography offers a unique window into the lives of cheetahs, but his connection to these big cats runs much deeper than just a lens. As a dedicated veterinarian and conservationist, Dr. Tobias brings a profound understanding to his work.

Join us as we explore his remarkable journey, from childhood inspiration to impactful conservation efforts.

Dr. Tobias’s passion for wildlife was ignited at a young age, sparked by nature documentaries on TV. This early fascination blossomed into a lifelong pursuit. His first trip to Kenya in 1984 cemented his love for African wildlife. It was during his time as a guest veterinary student in Pretoria in the late 1980s that he had a pivotal encounter: “I first met king cheetahs at the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre and wrote an article about it for a German wildlife magazine,” he recalls. This early experience foreshadowed a career dedicated to these animals.

Building Bonds: From Captivity to the Wild

Dr. Tobias consistently seeks opportunities to observe cheetahs, whether in human care or thriving in their natural habitats. He shares a particularly moving experience from Kenya: “I documented four litters growing up… seeing them hunting is extremely special and fascinating.” His veterinary background offers him unparalleled access and insight. He notes the unique privilege of treating cheetahs, experiencing their trust and observing their intricate communication. His observation is remarkable that even wild cheetahs, encountered repeatedly over time, seem to “remember you and behave differently than to foreigners on other vehicles.” This speaks volumes about the deep connections he fosters.

Dr. Tobias isn’t just an observer; he’s an active participant in cheetah conservation. He’s closely connected to local cheetah scientists in the Masai Mara and Amboseli Rangers. His contributions are multifaceted: “assisting in conservational aspects, ID, medical questions, helping in cheetah tracking and making awareness through my publications and social media work.” This hands-on involvement highlights his dedication to protecting these vulnerable creatures.

Unforgettable Moments in the Field

When asked about his most memorable experiences, Dr. Tobias recounts witnessing the unparalleled hunting skills of the renowned Tano Bora cheetah coalition in the Masai Mara. He’s also documented “behavioural interactions with hyenas in the Mara and finally experienced watching birth in a zoo.” These moments underscore the depth and breadth of his field observations.

For aspiring wildlife photographers, Dr. Tobias offers sage advice: “You need much time and patience and knowledge.” It’s clear that capturing the essence of these animals requires more than just technical skill; it demands dedication and a deep understanding of their behaviour. He also emphasises starting in a local zoo and learning with “proper cameras and lenses, not mobile phones!”

Dr. Tobias is also a prolific author. In 2024, he published “2 science papers in a German magazine, Tierärztliche Umschau, about biology, behaviour, medicine, and conservation of cheetahs.” Looking ahead, he has a German children’s book, Discover Cheetahs, and a travel anthology, Amboseli Cheetahs, a bilingual picture book documenting his experiences from 2022 to 2025, both seeking publishers.

You can follow Dr. Ralf Tobias’s incredible work and journeys on Instagram: @ralf_tobias_photography and Facebook: ralf_tobias_hdr_photography.

What’s Next?

Dr. Tobias’s dedication to cheetahs continues with future travels. “October sees my return to South Africa and hopefully end of the year, I am back in Kenya.”