Cheetah

The cheetah is the fastest land mammal on earth. They can obtain speeds of 60 to 70 miles per hour and are built for speed. They are not strong climbers which is why they can be kept in this open type exhibit. The cheetah is found in Africa and also has a very small population in Iran. The cheetah's social system is different from any other cat in that females are generally solitary with large territories but related males often form bachelor herds with smaller territories. The cheetah's lifespan is up to 12 to 15 years in the wild. Cheetahs have 1 to 6, but usually 2 to 3 cubs. Their main diet are animals such as gazelles and impalas Cheetah are endangered and research scientists have discovered that all the wild cheetahs are inbred. One theory is that after the Ice Age only a few remained and those few are the ancestors of all living cheetahs today. While here at the Zoo be sure to walk into the butterfly garden and find the secret cheetah veiwing path where you might get to have a closer view of the cheetahs.

By: Miriah Washington

References: www.**cheetahs**pot.com/