What happens when a little antelope is captured by three mature cheetahs …?

How’s this for one of those things-you-don’t-see-every-day?

Reactions towards this unusual scene vary between the “D’awww!” and “how odd!” varieties, and with good reason, considering little antelopes like that usually make for little more than a quick snack for cheetahs like these. It would seem, at first, that the three cheetah brothers simply weren’t hungry as they chased down and captured the little impala … and then began playing with it, pawing at its head and nuzzling it.

You can watch their tale develop through the photos: first, the little impala returns their graciousness with an affectionate nuzzling:

Then, a friendly goodbye lick:

And finally, the little scamp rushes off, presumably to join mommy or something:

So cute, no?

… Well, sadly, this cute story does have an unhappy ending. At least, according to commenter Alexandra Rose (posted 01/02/10 @02:59) at the Daily Mail source article, who dug this info up:

Straight off the Biosphoto website.... take a look at the caption:

Image numéro : 916787
Copyright : Biosphoto / Michel & Christine Denis-Huot
Title : Three young brothers Cheetahs eating a young Impala Kenya
Caption : After playing with the young Impala, Cheetah brothers have killed it and eaten.

Sounds legit to me. Too bad. =(

Update: (2:38 PM) – And here’s more confirmation that it just didn’t all that well for the little impala. Dang predators. (via Joel P. in the comments.)

(via The Daily Grail)