South African Cheetah
ENDANGERED
Cheetahs are captivating animals known for their incredible speed and sleek build. As the fastest land mammals, they can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour in short bursts, making them formidable hunters in the African savanna. Recognizable by their slender bodies, distinctive black spots, and tear-shaped facial markings, cheetahs are highly adapted for speed, with long legs, a flexible spine, and non-retractable claws that provide traction like cleats. Despite their impressive athleticism, cheetahs face conservation challenges in the wild, including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. Through educational programs and conservation initiatives, the Little Rock Zoo works to raise awareness about the plight of cheetahs and contribute to their protection and survival in their natural habitat.
- The cheetah is the world’s fastest land animal. They can run 70 mph (or 110 kph), which is as fast as cars drive on the highway. The cheetah can reach its top speed in just 3 seconds!
- The tail almost functions like a rudder on a boat because they use it to help control their steering and keep their balance when running very fast.
- The cheetah has “semi non-retractable” claws (almost like dog claws) that work like the cleats on a football shoe to give the cheetah a lot of traction when running.
- There are less than 8,000 cheetahs left in the wild, making the cheetah Africa’s most endangered big cat.
Despite the tremendous efforts AZA members and partners have committed toward saving the cheetah, the species is still declining at an alarming rate and there is a clear need to approach conservation differently. The Little Rock Zoo is an active supporter of the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF). CCF actively works with local, national and international communities to raise awareness, communicate, educate and train. Please join our efforts to secure a future for this endangered species by donating to our conservation fund.
Photos by Karen Caster & James Syler
