Animal Diaries Archive

An update on Luke's progress

29 December 2006

Luke has now been with us for about three months, and boy has he come along in leaps and bounds! Luke now has established a relationship with each of our four cheetahs, which has enabled him to leash train with the cats. He has recently been walking the cheetahs on leash during our daily walks in the Zoo. This is by far the most challenging task as a cheetah handler. Learning our extensive range of techniques for walking the cats on leash can take many months to comprehend and perfect.

Walking big cats is nothing like walking your dog; and cheetahs, being particularly stubborn cats, also make this a big challenge. You need to have a good relationship with the cat before even thinking about walking them on leash. Cheetahs can sense the slightest weakness or nervousness and take advantage of it. As well as knowing the correct techniques you also need to be confident and have control of the cat.

Luke is doing well at the first steps of learning to leash train the cheetahs. Before we know it he will be hanging out in the cheetah enclosure with the cats on his own. He is looking forward to the challenging events ahead with the cheetahs.