Kid Territory:Critters: Cheetah Stars
Both cheetahs have been trained to sprint after a mechanized lure. The lure is covered with fur and attached to a line that is pulled by a machine with an adjustable speed.
Clifford loves to chase that lure just as much as the cheetahs do. What fun to race down the roadway at full speed!
After two times down the track, Kubali takes a well-deserved rest. Participants can gather around the cat for a closer look and some great photo opportunities. Best of all, they can hear Kubali contentedly purring, a sure sign that she has had a fun day!
Zoo names: Majani and Kubali
Species: South African Cheetahs
Location: San Diego Zoo's Animal Shows
Their story
They’re spotted. They’re fast. And they’re the stars of the new Cheetah Run Safari at the Wild Animal Park.
From the time they were two months old, Majani and his sister Kubali were trained as animal ambassadors to help spread the word about conservation through special appearances for the public. Behind the scenes, both cheetahs got their exercise by running after a mechanized lure during carefully controlled training sessions. Both cats seemed to enjoy their runs and, after their food reward, would lie in the shade and purr. The training sessions became so positive for the cheetahs’ health and happiness that Majani (his name means “grasslands” in Swahili) and Kubali (meaning “to accept”) are running every weekend at the Wild Animal Park and guests are invited to watch!
See spots run!
The Cheetah Run Safari experience showcases the adaptations that have made these African cats so popular. Cheetahs, of course, are known for their speed, sprinting from zero to 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour) in just 3.4 seconds! Kubali is faster than her brother and seems to be more intent on catching the lure. (It’s thought that female cheetahs need to be faster than males because they’re bringing home food for their cubs as well as for themselves.) Majani, though, is no slacker and may be slower just because he’s so big. In fact, Majani is the largest male cheetah in zoos! The recorded world record is 145 pounds (66 kilograms) for a wild cheetah; Majani weighs in at 144 pounds (65 kilograms).
Cheetah buddies
Cheetahs tend to be a bit skittish around new situations, so both Majani and Kubali were paired with a companion animal when they were cubs. The trainers decided that the best companion animal would be one that is easygoing, smart, and people friendly—like a dog! The San Diego Humane Society seemed like the right place to go for the cheetahs’ new best friends. Majani was paired with Clifford, a labrador mix, while a labrador/chow mix named Bear was chosen for Kubali.
Even though the cheetahs outweigh the dogs, Clifford and Bear act like “big brothers” to the cats. Dogs by nature are social; cheetahs, on the other hand, are usually solitary. Having a calm, outgoing buddy around helps to comfort and relax the shy cats when they’re out in public. It seems the two species are a perfect match!
The cheetah-dog pairs still live, work, and play together, and the dogs go with their cheetah pals to each Cheetah Run Safari. Sometimes, the trainers even let Clifford and Bear run on the track first. Park guests can see that they put their little doggie hearts into chasing that lure, but the dogs look mighty slow compared to the fastest land mammal on the planet!
Where you can see them
Majani and Kubali take turns as the star of Cheetah Run Safari. Kids (ages 8 and up) and grownups can get a firsthand opportunity to witness a cheetah doing what it does best—run! This unique experience also includes up-close encounters with other African wildlife, refreshments, and a 5x7 photo of Majani.
More
Animal Bytes: Cheetah
Animal Profiles: The Cheetah and the Retriever
Job Profiles: Taking Care of Animals
Wild Animal Park Activities: Cheetah Run Safari
Zoo Shows: Sea Lion Show
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