Animal Diaries Archive

Echo Steps up to the Plate

22 November 2007

Echo is our biggest cheetah, weighing in at 52 kg, he's three and a half years old and has the reputation of being the hardest cheetah to work with, especially when we take him for walks around the zoo.

Echo is a very instinct-programmed cat and can fluctuate between moods quickly and regularly. This is what makes it challenging to work with him. It's also why he's the last cat a handler can walk out on leash or train out of our four cheetahs.

We have always used Echo for our cheeky cheetah walks, but earlier this year, he had a long break from walking in the zoo for our daily public and private walks. But with lots of training, conditioning and patience, Echo is getting interactive with guests once again! Getting him active as an ambassador cheetah will help raise vital money for cheetah conservation projects. We are so proud of his progress!

Having Echo able to go on zoo walks gives him another facet in the enrichment program we have in place to keep captive animals mentally, physically and emotionally stimulated.

Emotionally, you may ask? How would we know that is true?
Well, there are now points in the zoo that all the cheetah mark with urine on each walk. We call it the 'cheetah community boards'. Scenting is a huge part of a cheetahs life, with wild male cheetahs being recorded to scent mark over 50 times a day! Estimating that a cheetah is awake for 8 hours a day, that means they urinate every 10 minutes, not allowing for hunting, eating or playing! Of course, these are rough figures, but it illustrates the importance of scent marking. The urine has information in it that they want other cheetah to know, such as oestrogen and testosterone levels. They only scent in areas where they feel safe and can relax, because analysing the scent, by smell, puts the animal in a vulnerable position.

To cut a long story short, taking part in the 'cheetah community board' activities while he's on his zoo walk is emotionally stimulating for Echo!

Currently we are using Echo for cheeky cheetah walks once a week, when up to two people are booked in for it. We can't guarantee which cat is used when you book a walk, but there's a good chance you'll get the 'big boy' if you book in for one or two people. Hope to meet you soon!

The 'Cheetah Girls' and Luke!