Common Name: Cheetah
Scientific Name: Acinonyx Jubatus
Gender: Female
Birth Date: May 15, 1998
History: Zulu came to the Animal Ark from the Wild About Cats organization in Auburn, California. She and her brother, Shaka, were the first cheetahs imported into the U.S. to a private facility and were transferred to Animal Ark because we could develop a high speed running field and were open to the public, giving more people a chance to see these magnificent creatures.

Cheetahs in captivity suffer from digestive and kidney problems in addition to a condition where the lower molars create holes in the palates due to improper occlusion. It is the belief of some, including Wild About Cats and Animal Ark, that even though many facilities have large areas for the cats, they are not run at high speed regularly, and this could be one of the causes of digestive problems. During dry periods, Zulu is run at speeds up to 65 miles per hour by using a high speed winch and a plastic lure. It is our hope that by stimulating her to run followed by a meal, it more accurately imitates the habits of wild cheetahs. At this point she has not exhibited any of the digestive problems. Since her arrival to the U.S., Zulu has participated in seven different medical studies.

Shaka passed away unexpectedly on June 22, 2004. He had systematic cryptococcosis, which is yeast like fungus. It is not known why cheetahs get this disease although decreased resistance is suspected. Shaka was a great ambassador for his species. He and Zulu helped raise over a million dollars for cheetahs in the wild. Animal Ark will continue with the high speed exercise program and has formed a partnership with the DeWildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust in South Africa to study the effects of high speed running and its relationship to the health of captive cheetahs.

Common Name: Cheetah
Scientific Name: Acinonyx Jubatus
Gender: Male, Male
Birth Date: June 19, 2005
History: Moyo and Jamar arrived at Animal Ark on April 11, 2006 after a very long flight aboard British Airways traveling from Cape Town South Africa via London and then to San Francisco International Airport. They come to us as ambassadors for the De Wildt Cheetah Centre and Wildlife Trust. This South African facility has partnered with Animal Ark to help raise funds for wild cheetah conservation, a volunteer exchange program and research into the benefits of high speed running for captive cheetah. Born at De Wildt, these cubs were transferred to the Cheetah Outreach facility in CapeTown where they were raised by experts in the care of cheetah cubs and the training of ambassador cats. Moyo & Jamar have adjusted very well here at Animal Ark which has many similarities to the South African facilities. Our thanks to the crew from British Airways Cargo, United States Customs, and the agents from the United States Fish & Wildlife Service for their assistance in the import process.