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Cheetah
Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) are the symbol of Wildlife Safari.
With less than 10,000 remaining in the wild due to the loss of habitat,
human population growth, hunting and predation, Wildlife Safari's world
famous breeding program is making a substantial impact on the future of
this sleek and powerful cat.Since the program started in 1972, Wildlife
Safari has seen well over 100 births. With the support of the Species Survival
Plan (SSP), cheetahs born here have been sent to zoos throughout the nation.The
secret to Wildlife Safari's breeding success may lie in the large cheetah
compound and off-exhibit breeding area. The three acre drive-through section
mimics the varied terrain found in the cheetah's native habitat of Africa
south of the Sahara. Open, grassy plains combined with dense tree-covered
areas and a natural stream give cats the opportunity to run hide and explore.
The section also allows several cats to be together, offering a choice
for prospective mates.The breeding area, adjacent to the drive-through
compound, is designed so that introductions of seemingly interested cats
can be made. It is accessible by a chain link hallway or "cheetah corridor"
and cats can be moved from one area to another with minimal stress. While
driving through the area, look for vehicles marked with a special "cheetah
watch" sticker. These trained volunteers spend hours watching and carefully
recording the behaivors of each cheetah. By accumulating and studying this
data, consistent behaivioral rituals linked to breeding can be determined.
Cheetahs are the world's fastest land mammal and can sprint to speeds of
65 to 70 m.p.h. Their entire bodies are designed for running fast; a deep
chest contains large lungs and a powerful heart, a flexible spine
acts as a spring to propel the cheetah forward, a long tail serves
as a rudder and a break durring high speed pursuits and non-retractable
claws act as spikes for added traction.
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