Cheetah
Name: CheetahScientific Name: Acinonyx jubatus
Basic Information:
Known for their speed these cats can reach 112 km/h in short bursts of around 460 m. Achieving this speed is a hard feet and the Cheetah's slender body and long legs give it the perfect characteristics to do so. The cheetahs short camouflage patterned fur help it blend into its surroundings. The cheetah's fur is tan with black spots throughout. The cheetah can weigh up to 65 kg and can grow to 135 cm in length. The cheetah's high set eyes and black facial fur help it to see long distances and keep the sun out of its eyes. Male cheetahs will stay together for life where as females are mostly solitary creatures and leave their siblings a couple years after birth. A cheetah's diet includes: gazelle, impala, and springbok antelope, and sometimes young zebra or wildebeest. The cheetah will stalk its prey until it is fairly close, 10-30 m, then it gives chase and tries to quickly trip the animal and bite its throat. Once it's killed its prey the cheetah must eat quickly before a large predator comes to steal its kill.
Habitat Information:
Savanna - Characterized by sparse tree cover, savanna environments are most commonly found in Africa. In our savanna habitat, visitors can see the animals one would normally expect, such as lions, hippopotami, and elephants, as well as less well-known but no less important animals, such as insects and arachnids.
Cheetahs at Windaroo:
These fast cats can be found in their own habitat at the zoo, and there are daily exercise sessions where you can see the cheetah practice its fast speeds.
Related Animals:
Hippopotamus
Hyena
Lion
Zebra
A-Z Animal List