Animal Diaries Archive

Walk On The Wild Side

4 March 2005

The newest animal encounter at Australia Zoo has just started, and it went off with a bang! The Cheetah cubs are now delighting visitors to the Zoo through our Cheetah walks. The first walk took place just days ago, but it wasn't as simple as putting a lead on the cubs and going for a walk.

The Cheetah had to go through months of training and conditioning on a daily basis to bring them up to scratch. The cubs started their training by being conditioned to walking on a lead (not as easy as putting a lead on a new puppy at home). The Cheetah were then conditioned to the Zoo environment and people were slowly brought into the picture.

The first walk with 'Cleo' and 'Sheeba', our two girls, went really well and the guests had a wonderful time. Just like our Tiger Walks, the Cheetah Encounter will help us to raise money for conservation. Proceeds from the Cheetah Walks will benefit organisations working in Africa to help save these endangered animals.

If you are interested in an awesome CHEETAH ENCOUNTER, all the information can be found on the website or at our information desk at the Zoo. Remember - bookings are essential.

Until next week... Hooroo from the Big Cat Team!