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Speed demon
The cheetah is built for speed and can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in seconds. However, it can run only 400 to 600 yards before it is exhausted. The flexible spine, oversized liver, enlarged heart, wide nostrils, increased lung capacity, and thin muscular body make this cat the swiftest hunter in Africa. Blunt semi non-retractable claws grip the ground like cleats for traction and a long muscular tail acts as a stabilizer for balance allowing quick, fast turns during a chase. Only about half the chases for prey are successful.
It has been thought that cheetahs are strictly solitary, but this is not true. A female may have cubs with her for up to 18 months, and male siblings will stay together for life. However, unrelated males and females are together only during brief breeding episodes.
The life span of cheetah in the wild is about 7 years and more than twice that in captivity.
Fossil Rim has two cheetah areas, which can house about 25 cats. One area is on the Drive Through and another is in the Intensive Management Area, which is only accessible to Behind the Scenes Tours. Cheetah reproduction has proven to be difficult and many factors must come together in order to have a successful breeding program. Large yards, multiple mate choices, a varied diet and a stimulating living environment have all contributed to Fossil Rims 100 cheetah cubs born since 1986.
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