The or[ cheetah, the pard or the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is a large feline predator that still occurs in Africa and Iran. It is the only surviving species of the genus Acinonyx. The cheetah is known as the fastest land animal in the world. Cheetahs are felines. They used to be counted among the big cats, along with, for example, the lion and the panther, which can also be seen in Koninklijke Burgers' Zoo. However, because they have many different properties and because DNA research also points in that direction, they are nowadays divided into a separate group.
Special behaviour
Cheetahs are the fastest mammals. In a short sprint they can reach top speeds of up to 115 kilometres per hour. However, they can only do this for a few hundred metres, after which they have to rest and catch their breath. Cheetahs don't run for fun, but only when necessary: during the hunt.
About procreation
In nature, female cheetahs are fairly territorial, males lead a more nomadic existence, with brothers often spending years together. The call of strange male cheetahs in their territory triggers the ovulation of the female. Cheeta cubs are born blind and quite helpless, in a sheltered place. Cheeta cubs have many enemies; for example, they are attacked by lions and hyenas.
Photographed in Koninklijke Burgers' Zoo with young people
We are Loek and Karin Lobel, and our passion is animal photography, both in the wild and in zoos.
We are loek en Karin Lobel and we love to take pictures in the wild but also in the Zoo...
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