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Wednesday, 15 March 2006
Another orphan cheetah at CCF
We have a new orphan cub. We have named her Kunini (which means little one) – she is tiny although about 6 months of age. We think that she had been fed cat food, as when she came in she was just starved – and is still ravenous around food. She is cute, cute, cute! We’ll keep you posted on how she is getting along.
Tuesday, 14 March 2006
Cheetah Update: General
Beginning in January (December in the case of the Three Musketeers), all the CCF resident cheetahs underwent their annual health examination, performed by our Veterinarian, Dr. Arthur Bagot-Smith.
These health checks are part of the Namibian permit requirements and also give us the opportunity to check on the health of our cheetahs. During the exam, each cheetah undergoes a clinical examination, from head to tail to ensure all joints are working and internal organs, such as the kidneys feel normal. They are also checked for external parasites, treated if necessary and vaccinated for feline distemper and rabies. Blood is also collected and these samples are screened for viruses and overall health to make sure that all organs, such as the liver, are functioning well.
In addition, each cheetah is endoscoped. This particular procedure forms part of a long-term research project to monitor the possible development of a disease called gastritis and the helicobacter that is associated with it. Gastritis is one of the diseases that plague captive cheetahs around the world, while the free-ranging cheetahs seem not to suffer from this debilitating disease. By monitoring the cheetahs that arrive at CCF and are unable to be released, we are able to see if they develop the disease after a period of time in captivity.
It is possible that stress is one of the causative agents in this disease, possibly affected by factors such as exposure to humans, pen size, exercise levels and diet. Our cheetahs have relatively low exposure to humans, live in large enclosures, get lots of exercise and are on an unprocessed meat and bone diet, all of which really seem to agree with them, as they are in excellent health.
These health checks are part of the Namibian permit requirements and also give us the opportunity to check on the health of our cheetahs. During the exam, each cheetah undergoes a clinical examination, from head to tail to ensure all joints are working and internal organs, such as the kidneys feel normal. They are also checked for external parasites, treated if necessary and vaccinated for feline distemper and rabies. Blood is also collected and these samples are screened for viruses and overall health to make sure that all organs, such as the liver, are functioning well.
In addition, each cheetah is endoscoped. This particular procedure forms part of a long-term research project to monitor the possible development of a disease called gastritis and the helicobacter that is associated with it. Gastritis is one of the diseases that plague captive cheetahs around the world, while the free-ranging cheetahs seem not to suffer from this debilitating disease. By monitoring the cheetahs that arrive at CCF and are unable to be released, we are able to see if they develop the disease after a period of time in captivity.
It is possible that stress is one of the causative agents in this disease, possibly affected by factors such as exposure to humans, pen size, exercise levels and diet. Our cheetahs have relatively low exposure to humans, live in large enclosures, get lots of exercise and are on an unprocessed meat and bone diet, all of which really seem to agree with them, as they are in excellent health.
Cheetah Update: Gryffindor Cubs
The Gryffindor Cubs have not yet been at CCF for 6 months, so no update is available yet.
Ron
Ron is named after one of the characters in the popular books by J.K. Rowling and although he appears to be the most aggressive, he is the most gentle of the three siblings, so long as there is a meat treat involved. He is the most dominant, and often chases his sisters around the pen for play, preferring to chase them than chasing lures. He is highly food-motivated and will approach anyone with treats. Ron is the most gentle during feedings and loves to lick your hand for a while after the food is gone. He is the largest of the three and the lightest in colour. Ron's distinguishing marks are his kinked tail and almond-shaped eyes, which are a very light amber colour. He has a very laid-back personality and is very well behaved. He tends to be the favourite of visitors because of his gentle nature and likes to have his ears scratched.
Harry
Harry is named after J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter character, because when “she” arrived she had a small lightning-bolt-shaped scratch under her right eye. She is very shy around people and will wait until her siblings, Ron and Hermione, approach people before joining in the fun. Her favourite toy is an old t-shirt tied to a string and she is the fastest of the three siblings when playing. Harry is very golden in colour with dark eyes and is only slightly smaller than her brother, Ron. She is incredibly observant, and will watch you as you walk around the pen. When an animal such as a mouse, tortoise or lizard, etc. is found in the pen, she will be the first to investigate.
Hermione
Hermione is named after one of the characters in the popular books by J.K. Rowling and is the smallest and darkest of the three siblings...and the most playful. She has a small teddy bear face and big dark eyes, by far the cutest of the three. She is very gentle by nature, but not as much as her brother Ron. She tends to follow Ron's lead during feeding. Hermione is the most social and will chase her brother and sister around the pen even though she is much smaller. She is an instigator, but able to hold her own. Hermione is also very food-motivated and will lie in your lap during feeding. She also loves to lick your fingers after feeding. Her favourite scratch spot is behind her ears and neck.
Ron
Ron is named after one of the characters in the popular books by J.K. Rowling and although he appears to be the most aggressive, he is the most gentle of the three siblings, so long as there is a meat treat involved. He is the most dominant, and often chases his sisters around the pen for play, preferring to chase them than chasing lures. He is highly food-motivated and will approach anyone with treats. Ron is the most gentle during feedings and loves to lick your hand for a while after the food is gone. He is the largest of the three and the lightest in colour. Ron's distinguishing marks are his kinked tail and almond-shaped eyes, which are a very light amber colour. He has a very laid-back personality and is very well behaved. He tends to be the favourite of visitors because of his gentle nature and likes to have his ears scratched.
Harry
Harry is named after J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter character, because when “she” arrived she had a small lightning-bolt-shaped scratch under her right eye. She is very shy around people and will wait until her siblings, Ron and Hermione, approach people before joining in the fun. Her favourite toy is an old t-shirt tied to a string and she is the fastest of the three siblings when playing. Harry is very golden in colour with dark eyes and is only slightly smaller than her brother, Ron. She is incredibly observant, and will watch you as you walk around the pen. When an animal such as a mouse, tortoise or lizard, etc. is found in the pen, she will be the first to investigate.
Hermione
Hermione is named after one of the characters in the popular books by J.K. Rowling and is the smallest and darkest of the three siblings...and the most playful. She has a small teddy bear face and big dark eyes, by far the cutest of the three. She is very gentle by nature, but not as much as her brother Ron. She tends to follow Ron's lead during feeding. Hermione is the most social and will chase her brother and sister around the pen even though she is much smaller. She is an instigator, but able to hold her own. Hermione is also very food-motivated and will lie in your lap during feeding. She also loves to lick your fingers after feeding. Her favourite scratch spot is behind her ears and neck.
Cheetah Update: Athos
From your last update on Athos, we’d like to tell you a bit more about him and what he has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you know, the "Three Musketeers" were about eight months old when they arrived at CCF after their mother, one sibling and two other adults were shot. The three cubs are inseparable, and it was inevitable they would become named after the brave fictional musketeer characters: Athos, Porthos, and D'Artagnan.
Athos puts up a brave and entertaining show at feeding time. Naturally shy, he puts on a fierce face. With a fuzzy little growl, he tries to convince you he's not intimidated at all.
As you know, the "Three Musketeers" were about eight months old when they arrived at CCF after their mother, one sibling and two other adults were shot. The three cubs are inseparable, and it was inevitable they would become named after the brave fictional musketeer characters: Athos, Porthos, and D'Artagnan.
Athos puts up a brave and entertaining show at feeding time. Naturally shy, he puts on a fierce face. With a fuzzy little growl, he tries to convince you he's not intimidated at all.
Cheetah Update: Porthos
From your last update on Porthos, we’d like to tell you a bit more about him and what he has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you know, the "Three Musketeers" were about eight months old when they arrived at CCF after their mother, one sibling and two other adults were shot. The three cubs are inseparable, and it was inevitable they would become named after the brave fictional musketeer characters: Athos, Porthos, and D'Artagnan.
Porthos always hangs out with his brothers, Athos and D'Artagnan. Same as his brother D'Artagnan, Porthos is very shy, grabbing his food and dashing to the far side of the enclosure before eating.
As you know, the "Three Musketeers" were about eight months old when they arrived at CCF after their mother, one sibling and two other adults were shot. The three cubs are inseparable, and it was inevitable they would become named after the brave fictional musketeer characters: Athos, Porthos, and D'Artagnan.
Porthos always hangs out with his brothers, Athos and D'Artagnan. Same as his brother D'Artagnan, Porthos is very shy, grabbing his food and dashing to the far side of the enclosure before eating.
Cheetah Update: D'Artagnan
From your last update on D’Artagnan, we’d like to tell you a bit more about him and what he has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you know, the "Three Musketeers" were about eight months old when they arrived at CCF after their mother, one sibling and two other adults were shot. The three cubs are inseparable, and it was inevitable they would become named after the brave fictional musketeer characters: Athos, Porthos, and D'Artagnan.
D'Artagnan is the clown prince of the musketeers. He is very shy and wants nothing to do with people. Even at feeding time he approaches his bowl reluctantly and tries to grab a hold of his meat without taking his eyes off the scary humans. On one occasion, his bowl was located next to the water bowl and, thinking he was grabbing dinner, instead got a face full of water.
In December, the “Three Musketeers” underwent their annual health examination, performed by our Veterinarian, Dr. Arthur Bagot-Smith. These health checks are part of the Namibian permit requirements and also give us the opportunity to check on the health of our cheetahs. During the exam, each cheetah undergoes a clinical examination, from head to tail to ensure all joints are working and internal organs, such as the kidneys feel normal. They are also checked for external parasites, treated if necessary and vaccinated for feline distemper and rabies. Blood is also collected and these samples are screened for viruses and overall health to make sure that all organs, such as the liver, are functioning well.
As you know, the "Three Musketeers" were about eight months old when they arrived at CCF after their mother, one sibling and two other adults were shot. The three cubs are inseparable, and it was inevitable they would become named after the brave fictional musketeer characters: Athos, Porthos, and D'Artagnan.
D'Artagnan is the clown prince of the musketeers. He is very shy and wants nothing to do with people. Even at feeding time he approaches his bowl reluctantly and tries to grab a hold of his meat without taking his eyes off the scary humans. On one occasion, his bowl was located next to the water bowl and, thinking he was grabbing dinner, instead got a face full of water.
In December, the “Three Musketeers” underwent their annual health examination, performed by our Veterinarian, Dr. Arthur Bagot-Smith. These health checks are part of the Namibian permit requirements and also give us the opportunity to check on the health of our cheetahs. During the exam, each cheetah undergoes a clinical examination, from head to tail to ensure all joints are working and internal organs, such as the kidneys feel normal. They are also checked for external parasites, treated if necessary and vaccinated for feline distemper and rabies. Blood is also collected and these samples are screened for viruses and overall health to make sure that all organs, such as the liver, are functioning well.
Cheetah Update: Saturn
From your last update on Saturn, we’d like to tell you a bit more about him and what he has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you know, Saturn was caught with his brother, Orion, and their sister, Luna, in late 2004. When he arrived at CCF we realised that he had sustained serious injuries – his 4th neck vertebrae and a front foot were both broken. Luckily, Saturn is a fighter and managed to regain his health and is now looking very good. He is just as feisty as his brother, and you would never even be able to tell of the extent of his injuries from the past.
Saturn and Orion are inseparable. They share an enclosure with Athos, Porthos and D'Artagnan and if the musketeers leave any food in their bowls, you can be sure that Saturn and Orion will get it. They sometimes have to run a gauntlet to get their food as it is given to them separately to prevent confrontation at mealtimes. They refuse to be intimidated by the other three.
As you know, Saturn was caught with his brother, Orion, and their sister, Luna, in late 2004. When he arrived at CCF we realised that he had sustained serious injuries – his 4th neck vertebrae and a front foot were both broken. Luckily, Saturn is a fighter and managed to regain his health and is now looking very good. He is just as feisty as his brother, and you would never even be able to tell of the extent of his injuries from the past.
Saturn and Orion are inseparable. They share an enclosure with Athos, Porthos and D'Artagnan and if the musketeers leave any food in their bowls, you can be sure that Saturn and Orion will get it. They sometimes have to run a gauntlet to get their food as it is given to them separately to prevent confrontation at mealtimes. They refuse to be intimidated by the other three.
Cheetah Update: Orion
From your last update on Orion, we’d like to tell you a bit more about him and what he has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you know, Orion was caught with his brother, Saturn, and their sister, Luna, in late 2004. They are known as the “Star cubs”.
Orion and Saturn share an enclosure with Athos, Porthos and D'Artagnan. This four acre enclosure is next to where their sister and her female companions live. Orion and Saturn have bonded with these other orphan male cheetahs. However, our staff has quite a job at feeding times, as each of the male cheetahs have to run a gauntlet to get their food as it is given to them separately to prevent confrontation with the other males at mealtimes. They refuse to be intimidated by each other. Orion is a very handsome cat, who will be very large when fully grown.
As you know, Orion was caught with his brother, Saturn, and their sister, Luna, in late 2004. They are known as the “Star cubs”.
Orion and Saturn share an enclosure with Athos, Porthos and D'Artagnan. This four acre enclosure is next to where their sister and her female companions live. Orion and Saturn have bonded with these other orphan male cheetahs. However, our staff has quite a job at feeding times, as each of the male cheetahs have to run a gauntlet to get their food as it is given to them separately to prevent confrontation with the other males at mealtimes. They refuse to be intimidated by each other. Orion is a very handsome cat, who will be very large when fully grown.
Cheetah Update: Ohana-Luna
From your last update on Ohana-Luna, we’d like to tell you a bit more about her and what she has been doing over the past six-month period.
Upon reaching sexual maturity Ohana-Luna was separated from her brothers, Orion and Saturn, they were known here as the “Star Cubs”. She was put together with three other females. She and the other female cheetahs all live in a four acre pen that has a shared fence line with her brothers, so they can see each other and communicate through the fence.
Ohana-Luna is the youngest cat in the enclosure she shares with Cleo, Samantha and Tempesta. She's a bit of a loner, always hanging back a bit from the others. She loves to play "tag" with the other cats, taking tremendous joy in running at top speed. She seems to be fully recovered from her neck injuries sustained when she was a cub at the end of last year.
In order to prepare for her annual physical, Ohana-Luna (and each of the other girls) were given markered meat so that their scat can be identified and collected for research analysis. A large piece of meat was tossed to her in the enclosure and each day the race was on with her, Samantha, Ohana-Luna and sometimes Cleo, in hot pursuit. As they became accustomed to the game, they would each get their respective positions at the approach of the keeper, with Ohana-Luna posed like an Olympic sprinter in the starting block. The chase, as each gets one piece of meat, while the others run after whoever has the first piece frequently go on for several minutes, with the cats often reaching full speed.
Upon reaching sexual maturity Ohana-Luna was separated from her brothers, Orion and Saturn, they were known here as the “Star Cubs”. She was put together with three other females. She and the other female cheetahs all live in a four acre pen that has a shared fence line with her brothers, so they can see each other and communicate through the fence.
Ohana-Luna is the youngest cat in the enclosure she shares with Cleo, Samantha and Tempesta. She's a bit of a loner, always hanging back a bit from the others. She loves to play "tag" with the other cats, taking tremendous joy in running at top speed. She seems to be fully recovered from her neck injuries sustained when she was a cub at the end of last year.
In order to prepare for her annual physical, Ohana-Luna (and each of the other girls) were given markered meat so that their scat can be identified and collected for research analysis. A large piece of meat was tossed to her in the enclosure and each day the race was on with her, Samantha, Ohana-Luna and sometimes Cleo, in hot pursuit. As they became accustomed to the game, they would each get their respective positions at the approach of the keeper, with Ohana-Luna posed like an Olympic sprinter in the starting block. The chase, as each gets one piece of meat, while the others run after whoever has the first piece frequently go on for several minutes, with the cats often reaching full speed.
Cheetah Update: Cleo
From your last update on Cleo, we’d like to tell you a bit more about her and what she has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you know, Cleo came to CCF in 2004 as a very young 6-month-old cub.
After her compulsory quarantine period she was then introduced to two other young females, Tempesta and Samantha to develop social skills and play behaviour. She continues to live with these two females and another orphan joined the three, that being Luna. All four of the females love to lie next to the gate of their 4 acre pen and when a staff member walks by she does a mock charge with a combination of a hiss and a spit...basically saying "BOO!" Cleo really seems to enjoy it when she startles someone who isn't familiar with her daily routine.
As you know, Cleo came to CCF in 2004 as a very young 6-month-old cub.
After her compulsory quarantine period she was then introduced to two other young females, Tempesta and Samantha to develop social skills and play behaviour. She continues to live with these two females and another orphan joined the three, that being Luna. All four of the females love to lie next to the gate of their 4 acre pen and when a staff member walks by she does a mock charge with a combination of a hiss and a spit...basically saying "BOO!" Cleo really seems to enjoy it when she startles someone who isn't familiar with her daily routine.
Cheetah Update: Misty
From your last update on Misty, we’d like to tell you a bit more about her and what she has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you know, Misty came to CCF in November 2002 and now lives in the 200 acre Bellebeno cheetah pen with 10 other females.
She has befriended the two females, Nina and Solo and the 3 of them are always together.
The three of them always waits at the gate when the keepers want to come into the enclosure to feed, they have to “move” the girls away from the gate. Usually luring them with to one side, as the truck drives in. Once in, the CCF staff drive the truck down the road of the 200 acre enclosure, with the cats running behind. This gives them daily exercise before getting their food. Misty usually awaits the vehicle at the gate at feeding time with Nina and Solo, but is not the fastest runner when all the cats chase after the vehicle for food and a little exercise. Misty has very good manners and always waits until all the other cats have been fed before coming to collect her meat, thereby avoiding confrontation and not having to protect her meal from other sneaky cats.
Misty tipped the scales at 40 kilograms; this is above average for a Namibian female cheetah (average is 36 kilograms). During her physical, she also had all the burrs combed out and CCF volunteer and visiting dentist, Dr. Larry Friedman, who assisted with the workups, confirmed that she had severe wear on her lower incisors and slight wear on her upper incisors. He smoothed all her canine tips.
As you know, Misty came to CCF in November 2002 and now lives in the 200 acre Bellebeno cheetah pen with 10 other females.
She has befriended the two females, Nina and Solo and the 3 of them are always together.
The three of them always waits at the gate when the keepers want to come into the enclosure to feed, they have to “move” the girls away from the gate. Usually luring them with to one side, as the truck drives in. Once in, the CCF staff drive the truck down the road of the 200 acre enclosure, with the cats running behind. This gives them daily exercise before getting their food. Misty usually awaits the vehicle at the gate at feeding time with Nina and Solo, but is not the fastest runner when all the cats chase after the vehicle for food and a little exercise. Misty has very good manners and always waits until all the other cats have been fed before coming to collect her meat, thereby avoiding confrontation and not having to protect her meal from other sneaky cats.
Misty tipped the scales at 40 kilograms; this is above average for a Namibian female cheetah (average is 36 kilograms). During her physical, she also had all the burrs combed out and CCF volunteer and visiting dentist, Dr. Larry Friedman, who assisted with the workups, confirmed that she had severe wear on her lower incisors and slight wear on her upper incisors. He smoothed all her canine tips.
Cheetah Update: Tempesta
From your last update on Tempesta, we’d like to tell you a bit more about her and what she has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you know, Tempesta was brought to CCF in 2003 after a distressed farmer had been forced to shoot her mother who had contracted rabies. Luckily Tempesta did not have to suffer a similar fate as she was in a poor condition after being abandoned by her very ill mother, but did not contract the disease.
Tempesta shares her enclosure with Samantha, Luna and Cleo. In order to prepare for her annual physical, Tempesta was given markered meat so that her scat could be identified and collected for research analysis. A large piece of meat was tossed to her in the enclosure and each day the race was on with her, Samantha, Luna and sometimes Cleo, in hot pursuit. As they became accustomed to the game, they would each get their respective positions at the approach of the keeper, with Tempesta posed like an Olympic sprinter in the starting block. The chase, as each gets one piece of meat, while the others run after whoever has the first piece frequently go on for several minutes, with the cats often reaching full speed.
In 2005 Tempesta had CCF staff and keepers very worried after not eating for a few days and looked to be in a lot of pain. She was taken to the vet immediately, and all at CCF were shocked to hear that her spleen had ruptured and had to be removed. Luckily the operation went smoothly and Tempesta was reunited with her friends soon after. To this day it is uncertain what exactly happened to her, something that will most likely remain a mystery.
As you know, Tempesta was brought to CCF in 2003 after a distressed farmer had been forced to shoot her mother who had contracted rabies. Luckily Tempesta did not have to suffer a similar fate as she was in a poor condition after being abandoned by her very ill mother, but did not contract the disease.
Tempesta shares her enclosure with Samantha, Luna and Cleo. In order to prepare for her annual physical, Tempesta was given markered meat so that her scat could be identified and collected for research analysis. A large piece of meat was tossed to her in the enclosure and each day the race was on with her, Samantha, Luna and sometimes Cleo, in hot pursuit. As they became accustomed to the game, they would each get their respective positions at the approach of the keeper, with Tempesta posed like an Olympic sprinter in the starting block. The chase, as each gets one piece of meat, while the others run after whoever has the first piece frequently go on for several minutes, with the cats often reaching full speed.
In 2005 Tempesta had CCF staff and keepers very worried after not eating for a few days and looked to be in a lot of pain. She was taken to the vet immediately, and all at CCF were shocked to hear that her spleen had ruptured and had to be removed. Luckily the operation went smoothly and Tempesta was reunited with her friends soon after. To this day it is uncertain what exactly happened to her, something that will most likely remain a mystery.
Cheetah Update: Samantha
From your last update on Samantha, we’d like to tell you a bit more about her and what she has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you know, Samantha, her sister Carey and their brother, Mr. Big, were rescued and brought to CCF in 2003. Carey did not survive due to health problems and Mr. Big and other young male cheetahs living with their sisters as a group of orphaned cubs were separated from each other when they reached sexual maturity.
Samantha shares her enclosure with Tempesta, Luna and Cleo. In order to prepare for her annual physical, Samantha was given markered meat so that her scat could be identified and collected for research analysis. A large piece of meat was tossed to her in the enclosure and each day the race was on with her, Tempesta, Luna and sometimes Cleo, in hot pursuit. As they became accustomed to the game, they would each get their respective positions at the approach of the keeper, with Samantha posed like an Olympic sprinter in the starting block. The chase, as each gets one piece of meat, while the others run after whoever has the first piece frequently go on for several minutes, with the cats often reaching full speed.
As you know, Samantha, her sister Carey and their brother, Mr. Big, were rescued and brought to CCF in 2003. Carey did not survive due to health problems and Mr. Big and other young male cheetahs living with their sisters as a group of orphaned cubs were separated from each other when they reached sexual maturity.
Samantha shares her enclosure with Tempesta, Luna and Cleo. In order to prepare for her annual physical, Samantha was given markered meat so that her scat could be identified and collected for research analysis. A large piece of meat was tossed to her in the enclosure and each day the race was on with her, Tempesta, Luna and sometimes Cleo, in hot pursuit. As they became accustomed to the game, they would each get their respective positions at the approach of the keeper, with Samantha posed like an Olympic sprinter in the starting block. The chase, as each gets one piece of meat, while the others run after whoever has the first piece frequently go on for several minutes, with the cats often reaching full speed.
Cheetah Update: Elsie
From your last update on Elsie, we’d like to tell you a bit more about her and what she has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you know, Elsie came to CCF in October 2004 and we identified her as one of the cheetahs that was radio-collared by CCF in 1998 when she had three 14-month-old cubs!
At 13, Elsie is CCF's oldest cheetah, but is still a very lively and happy cat. True to her instinct, she always hides in the bushes until the vehicle is close at feeding times and then jumps at it. In the past few months she has been playing games with the keepers...not coming to feed for several days until all at CCF are sick with worry, then jumping out at the vehicle as usual the next day as if nothing has happened. CCF staff are now convinced that Elsie is taking “cat-naps” at feeding times and fails to wake up at feeding times as there seems to be nothing wrong with her health…she might even sneakily be stealing the other cats’ food when she awakens from her midday snooze.
As you know, Elsie came to CCF in October 2004 and we identified her as one of the cheetahs that was radio-collared by CCF in 1998 when she had three 14-month-old cubs!
At 13, Elsie is CCF's oldest cheetah, but is still a very lively and happy cat. True to her instinct, she always hides in the bushes until the vehicle is close at feeding times and then jumps at it. In the past few months she has been playing games with the keepers...not coming to feed for several days until all at CCF are sick with worry, then jumping out at the vehicle as usual the next day as if nothing has happened. CCF staff are now convinced that Elsie is taking “cat-naps” at feeding times and fails to wake up at feeding times as there seems to be nothing wrong with her health…she might even sneakily be stealing the other cats’ food when she awakens from her midday snooze.
Cheetah Update: Daisy
From your last update on Daisy, we’d like to tell you a bit more about her and what she has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you know Daisy, her sister Rosy and their brother Mushara arrived at CCF in February 2003. As the cats reached sexual maturity, they needed to be segregated and Mushara was put together with other male orphans of similar age.
Daisy and Rosy, the “Flower girls”, are sisters and spend most of their time together. In 2005, CCF started a "cheetah release" project and Rosy and Daisy were the lucky two chosen for this. They were released in a 4000ha game camp on CCF property. The 4th day after their release they caught a warthog proving that they are very good hunters, Rosy especially. On numerous occasion Daisy was spotted waiting for Rosy to "bring home the bacon" while Rosie was hunting. Unfortunately they moved to a neighbouring farm and caught a goat after having been released for 6 weeks. They were brought back to their 200 acre enclosure where they live with 8 other female cheetahs.
The “Flower Girls” are very relaxed cheetahs, maybe remembering their time outside the same way we humans would a memorable holiday...however, the food arrives every day like clock work. When it is feeding time, the girls often wait at the gate and stalk the truck as if it is their prey. Once in, the CCF staff drive the truck down the road of the 200 acre enclosure, with the cats running behind. This gives them daily exercise before getting their food. Daisy is the most talkative female cheetah, coming up close to the vehicle at feeding times, "talking" to the keepers with a very high-pitched chirp.
Daisy weighed in at 32 kilograms, this is below average for a Namibian female cheetah (average is 36 kilograms), however she has a small frame and is in very good condition. During her physical, she also had all the burrs combed out and CCF volunteer and visiting dentist, Dr. Larry Friedman, who assisted with the workups, confirmed that even her teeth were looking great with only a slight wear on her teeth.
As you know Daisy, her sister Rosy and their brother Mushara arrived at CCF in February 2003. As the cats reached sexual maturity, they needed to be segregated and Mushara was put together with other male orphans of similar age.
Daisy and Rosy, the “Flower girls”, are sisters and spend most of their time together. In 2005, CCF started a "cheetah release" project and Rosy and Daisy were the lucky two chosen for this. They were released in a 4000ha game camp on CCF property. The 4th day after their release they caught a warthog proving that they are very good hunters, Rosy especially. On numerous occasion Daisy was spotted waiting for Rosy to "bring home the bacon" while Rosie was hunting. Unfortunately they moved to a neighbouring farm and caught a goat after having been released for 6 weeks. They were brought back to their 200 acre enclosure where they live with 8 other female cheetahs.
The “Flower Girls” are very relaxed cheetahs, maybe remembering their time outside the same way we humans would a memorable holiday...however, the food arrives every day like clock work. When it is feeding time, the girls often wait at the gate and stalk the truck as if it is their prey. Once in, the CCF staff drive the truck down the road of the 200 acre enclosure, with the cats running behind. This gives them daily exercise before getting their food. Daisy is the most talkative female cheetah, coming up close to the vehicle at feeding times, "talking" to the keepers with a very high-pitched chirp.
Daisy weighed in at 32 kilograms, this is below average for a Namibian female cheetah (average is 36 kilograms), however she has a small frame and is in very good condition. During her physical, she also had all the burrs combed out and CCF volunteer and visiting dentist, Dr. Larry Friedman, who assisted with the workups, confirmed that even her teeth were looking great with only a slight wear on her teeth.
Cheetah Update: Rosy
From your last update on Rosy, we’d like to tell you a bit more about her and what she has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you know Rosy, her sister Daisy and their brother Mushara arrived at CCF in February 2003. As the cats reached sexual maturity, they needed to be segregated and Mushara was put together with other male orphans of similar age.
Rosy and Daisy, the “Flower girls”, spend most of their time together. In 2005, CCF started a "cheetah release" project and Rosy and Daisy were the lucky two chosen for this. They were released in a 4000ha game camp on CCF property. The 4th day after their release they caught a warthog proving that they could learn how to hunt, Rosy especially! She was found successfully hunting on numerous occasions, while Daisy was waiting for her to "bring home the bacon". Unfortunately, they moved to a neighbouring farm and caught a goat after having been released for 6 weeks. They were brought back to their 200 acre enclosure where they now live with 8 other female cheetahs.
The “Flower Girls” are very relaxed cheetahs, maybe remembering their time outside the same way we humans would a memorable holiday...however, the food arrives every day like clock work. When it is feeding time, the girls often wait at the gate and stalk the truck as if it is their prey. Once in, the CCF staff drive the truck down the road of the 200 acre enclosure, with the cats running behind. This gives them daily exercise before getting their food.
Rosy tipped the scales at 37 kilograms, this is just above average for a Namibian female cheetah (average is 36 kilograms). During her physical, she also had all the burrs combed out and CCF volunteer and visiting dentist, Dr. Larry Friedman, who assisted with the workups had to remove a fractured tooth from Daisy. But, he confirmed that her teeth were looking great with the wear on her teeth being minimal.
As you know Rosy, her sister Daisy and their brother Mushara arrived at CCF in February 2003. As the cats reached sexual maturity, they needed to be segregated and Mushara was put together with other male orphans of similar age.
Rosy and Daisy, the “Flower girls”, spend most of their time together. In 2005, CCF started a "cheetah release" project and Rosy and Daisy were the lucky two chosen for this. They were released in a 4000ha game camp on CCF property. The 4th day after their release they caught a warthog proving that they could learn how to hunt, Rosy especially! She was found successfully hunting on numerous occasions, while Daisy was waiting for her to "bring home the bacon". Unfortunately, they moved to a neighbouring farm and caught a goat after having been released for 6 weeks. They were brought back to their 200 acre enclosure where they now live with 8 other female cheetahs.
The “Flower Girls” are very relaxed cheetahs, maybe remembering their time outside the same way we humans would a memorable holiday...however, the food arrives every day like clock work. When it is feeding time, the girls often wait at the gate and stalk the truck as if it is their prey. Once in, the CCF staff drive the truck down the road of the 200 acre enclosure, with the cats running behind. This gives them daily exercise before getting their food.
Rosy tipped the scales at 37 kilograms, this is just above average for a Namibian female cheetah (average is 36 kilograms). During her physical, she also had all the burrs combed out and CCF volunteer and visiting dentist, Dr. Larry Friedman, who assisted with the workups had to remove a fractured tooth from Daisy. But, he confirmed that her teeth were looking great with the wear on her teeth being minimal.
Cheetah Update: Nestle
From your last update on Nestle, we’d like to tell you a bit more about her and what she has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you know Nestle, her sisters Toblerone and Hershey and their brothers, Cadbury and Lindt were born around July 2002 and arrived at CCF in February 2003. Toblerone, Hershey and Nestle live in the 200 acre Bellebeno pen with 8 other females.
The "Chocolate Girls" are all very frisky. When CCF staff are in the 200 acre enclosure at feeding times, Nestle, Hershey and Toblerone will come out of the bush jumping and playing. The "Chocolate Girls" are all grown up now, having lost their fluffy baby faces they now look like beautiful adult cats. The girls are always together and other cheetahs sometimes share their company. Nestle and her friends are always very curious and up for a run. Nestle is the most shy of the three sisters.
When it is feeding time, the girls often wait at the gate and stalk the truck as if it is their prey. Once in, the CCF staff drive the truck down the road of the 200 acre enclosure, with the cats running behind. This gives them daily exercise before getting their food. The “Chocolate Girls” follows the car very closely, keeping nicely up to speed as they like to be one of the first to get their food that is then thrown out of the back of the truck to each individual cheetah.
Nestle tipped the scales at 35 kilograms, this is just below average for a Namibian female cheetah (average is 36 kilograms). During her physical, she also had all the burrs combed out and CCF volunteer and visiting dentist, Dr. Larry Friedman, who assisted with the workups, confirmed that even her teeth were looking great. He did, however, smooth the posterior cusps of her posterior mandibular molars.
As you know Nestle, her sisters Toblerone and Hershey and their brothers, Cadbury and Lindt were born around July 2002 and arrived at CCF in February 2003. Toblerone, Hershey and Nestle live in the 200 acre Bellebeno pen with 8 other females.
The "Chocolate Girls" are all very frisky. When CCF staff are in the 200 acre enclosure at feeding times, Nestle, Hershey and Toblerone will come out of the bush jumping and playing. The "Chocolate Girls" are all grown up now, having lost their fluffy baby faces they now look like beautiful adult cats. The girls are always together and other cheetahs sometimes share their company. Nestle and her friends are always very curious and up for a run. Nestle is the most shy of the three sisters.
When it is feeding time, the girls often wait at the gate and stalk the truck as if it is their prey. Once in, the CCF staff drive the truck down the road of the 200 acre enclosure, with the cats running behind. This gives them daily exercise before getting their food. The “Chocolate Girls” follows the car very closely, keeping nicely up to speed as they like to be one of the first to get their food that is then thrown out of the back of the truck to each individual cheetah.
Nestle tipped the scales at 35 kilograms, this is just below average for a Namibian female cheetah (average is 36 kilograms). During her physical, she also had all the burrs combed out and CCF volunteer and visiting dentist, Dr. Larry Friedman, who assisted with the workups, confirmed that even her teeth were looking great. He did, however, smooth the posterior cusps of her posterior mandibular molars.
Cheetah Update: Hershey
From your last update on Hershey, we’d like to tell you a bit more about her and what she has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you know Hershey, her sisters Toblerone and Nestle and their brothers, Cadbury and Lindt were born around July 2002 and arrived at CCF in February 2003. Toblerone, Hershey and Nestle live in the 200 acre Bellebeno enclosure with 8 other females.
The "Chocolate Girls" are all very frisky. When CCF staff are in the 200 acre enclosure at feeding times, Hershey, Toblerone and Nestle will come out of the bush jumping and playing. The "Chocolate Girls" are all grown up now, having lost their fluffy baby faces they now look like beautiful adult cats. The girls are always together and other cheetahs sometimes share their company. Hershey and her friends are always very curious and up for a run.
When it is feeding time, the girls often wait at the gate and stalk the truck as if it is their prey. Once in, the CCF staff drive the truck down the road of the 200 acre enclosure, with the cats running behind. This gives them daily exercise before getting their food. The “Chocolate Girls” follows the car very closely, keeping nicely up to speed as they like to be one of the first to get their food that is then thrown out of the back of the truck to each individual cheetah.
Hershey tipped the scales at 36 kilograms, this is average for a Namibian female cheetah. During her physical, she also had all the burrs combed out and CCF volunteer and visiting dentist, Dr. Larry Friedman, who assisted with the workups, confirmed that even her teeth were looking great. However the distal cups of her lower posterior molars were slightly jagged and these cusp tips were smoothed.
As you know Hershey, her sisters Toblerone and Nestle and their brothers, Cadbury and Lindt were born around July 2002 and arrived at CCF in February 2003. Toblerone, Hershey and Nestle live in the 200 acre Bellebeno enclosure with 8 other females.
The "Chocolate Girls" are all very frisky. When CCF staff are in the 200 acre enclosure at feeding times, Hershey, Toblerone and Nestle will come out of the bush jumping and playing. The "Chocolate Girls" are all grown up now, having lost their fluffy baby faces they now look like beautiful adult cats. The girls are always together and other cheetahs sometimes share their company. Hershey and her friends are always very curious and up for a run.
When it is feeding time, the girls often wait at the gate and stalk the truck as if it is their prey. Once in, the CCF staff drive the truck down the road of the 200 acre enclosure, with the cats running behind. This gives them daily exercise before getting their food. The “Chocolate Girls” follows the car very closely, keeping nicely up to speed as they like to be one of the first to get their food that is then thrown out of the back of the truck to each individual cheetah.
Hershey tipped the scales at 36 kilograms, this is average for a Namibian female cheetah. During her physical, she also had all the burrs combed out and CCF volunteer and visiting dentist, Dr. Larry Friedman, who assisted with the workups, confirmed that even her teeth were looking great. However the distal cups of her lower posterior molars were slightly jagged and these cusp tips were smoothed.
Cheetah Update: Toblerone
From your last update on Toblerone, we’d like to tell you a bit more about her and what she has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you know Toblerone, her sisters Hershey and Nestle and their brothers, Cadbury and Lindt were born around July 2002 and arrived at CCF in February 2003. Toblerone, Hershey and Nestle, known as the “Chocolate Girls” live in the 200 acre Bellebeno enclosure with eight other females.
The "Chocolate Girls" are all very frisky. When CCF staff are in the 200 acre enclosure at feeding times, Toblerone, Hershey and Nestle will come out of the bush jumping and playing. The "Chocolate Girls" are all grown up now, having lost their fluffy baby faces they now look like beautiful adult cheetahs. The girls are always together and other cheetahs sometimes share their company. Toblerone and her friends are always very curious and up for a run. Toblerone is the least shy of her sisters and always is one of the first to get her food.
When it is feeding time, the girls often wait at the gate and stalk the truck as if it is their prey. Once in, the CCF staff drive the truck down the road of the 200 acre enclosure, with the cats running behind. This gives them daily exercise before getting their food. The “Chocolate Girls” follows the car very closely, keeping nicely up to speed as they like to be one of the first to get their food that is then thrown out of the back of the truck to each individual cheetah.
Beginning in January, all the CCF resident cheetahs undergo their annual health examination, performed by our Veterinarian, Dr. Arthur Bagot-Smith. These health checks are part of the Namibian permit requirements and also give us the opportunity to check on the health of our cheetahs. During the exam, each cheetah undergoes a clinical examination, from head to tail to ensure all joints are working and internal organs, such as the kidneys feel normal. They are also checked for external parasites, treated if necessary and vaccinated for feline distemper and rabies. Blood is also collected and these samples are screened for viruses and overall health to make sure that all organs, such as the liver, are functioning well.
Toblerone tipped the scales at 37 kilograms, this is just above average for a Namibian female cheetah (average is 36 kilograms). During her physical, she also had all the burrs combed out and CCF volunteer and dentist, Dr. Larry Friedman, who assisted with the medical checkups confirmed that even her teeth were looking great with minimal wear. He did, however equilibrated her posterior maudibulam molar pistal cusps.
As you know Toblerone, her sisters Hershey and Nestle and their brothers, Cadbury and Lindt were born around July 2002 and arrived at CCF in February 2003. Toblerone, Hershey and Nestle, known as the “Chocolate Girls” live in the 200 acre Bellebeno enclosure with eight other females.
The "Chocolate Girls" are all very frisky. When CCF staff are in the 200 acre enclosure at feeding times, Toblerone, Hershey and Nestle will come out of the bush jumping and playing. The "Chocolate Girls" are all grown up now, having lost their fluffy baby faces they now look like beautiful adult cheetahs. The girls are always together and other cheetahs sometimes share their company. Toblerone and her friends are always very curious and up for a run. Toblerone is the least shy of her sisters and always is one of the first to get her food.
When it is feeding time, the girls often wait at the gate and stalk the truck as if it is their prey. Once in, the CCF staff drive the truck down the road of the 200 acre enclosure, with the cats running behind. This gives them daily exercise before getting their food. The “Chocolate Girls” follows the car very closely, keeping nicely up to speed as they like to be one of the first to get their food that is then thrown out of the back of the truck to each individual cheetah.
Beginning in January, all the CCF resident cheetahs undergo their annual health examination, performed by our Veterinarian, Dr. Arthur Bagot-Smith. These health checks are part of the Namibian permit requirements and also give us the opportunity to check on the health of our cheetahs. During the exam, each cheetah undergoes a clinical examination, from head to tail to ensure all joints are working and internal organs, such as the kidneys feel normal. They are also checked for external parasites, treated if necessary and vaccinated for feline distemper and rabies. Blood is also collected and these samples are screened for viruses and overall health to make sure that all organs, such as the liver, are functioning well.
Toblerone tipped the scales at 37 kilograms, this is just above average for a Namibian female cheetah (average is 36 kilograms). During her physical, she also had all the burrs combed out and CCF volunteer and dentist, Dr. Larry Friedman, who assisted with the medical checkups confirmed that even her teeth were looking great with minimal wear. He did, however equilibrated her posterior maudibulam molar pistal cusps.
Cheetah Update: Shadow
From your last update on Shadow, we’d like to tell you a bit more about her and what she has been doing over the past six-month period.
Shadow is the smallest of the 10 female cheetahs living in CCF's 200 acre enclosure. She is very timid and submissive around the other cheetahs, although she will not tolerate being pushed around by the other cheetahs living in the enclosure. She will protect herself if need be by growling and hissing to her “friends”.
In November 2005, we saw that one of her legs and foot had a few cuts on them. We are not sure how this occurred; however, we had to anesthetize her in order to stitch up the wounds. We then had to keep her in a holding pen away from the other cheetahs to administer antibiotics and monitor the healing of the wounds for three weeks before releasing her back into the area with the other female cheetahs. We are happy to say that her leg healed so nicely that the scars aren't even visible anymore.
Shadow tipped the scales at 29 kilograms and was looking very healthy and lean. During her physical, she also had all the burrs and stickers combed out. One of our CCF volunteers and a dentist, Dr. Larry Friedman, who came to assist with the annual physicals, confirmed that even her teeth were looking great, but still equilibrated the distal cusp of her lower posterior molars.
Shadow is the smallest of the 10 female cheetahs living in CCF's 200 acre enclosure. She is very timid and submissive around the other cheetahs, although she will not tolerate being pushed around by the other cheetahs living in the enclosure. She will protect herself if need be by growling and hissing to her “friends”.
In November 2005, we saw that one of her legs and foot had a few cuts on them. We are not sure how this occurred; however, we had to anesthetize her in order to stitch up the wounds. We then had to keep her in a holding pen away from the other cheetahs to administer antibiotics and monitor the healing of the wounds for three weeks before releasing her back into the area with the other female cheetahs. We are happy to say that her leg healed so nicely that the scars aren't even visible anymore.
Shadow tipped the scales at 29 kilograms and was looking very healthy and lean. During her physical, she also had all the burrs and stickers combed out. One of our CCF volunteers and a dentist, Dr. Larry Friedman, who came to assist with the annual physicals, confirmed that even her teeth were looking great, but still equilibrated the distal cusp of her lower posterior molars.
Cheetah Update: Shiraz
From your last update on Shiraz, we’d like to tell you a bit more about her and what she has been doing over the past six-month period. She has had an exciting and joyful six months, that’s for sure!
As you know, Shiraz came to CCF in August 2001 with her brother, Merlot and mother Chardonnay. Her mother died shortly after coming to CCF and she had to be separated from her brother, Merlot, as both had reached sexual maturity. She and Merlot were put together with other cheetahs of similar sex. Shiraz has been living with 10 other females in the 200 acre Bellebeno cheetah enclosure.
In mid-April 2005, two wild male cheetahs were seen in our camera-traps near the Bellebeno cheetah pen. One had a badly damaged tail, so we set a trap cage and captured him and indeed his tail needed to be amputated. We named him Bob. After his tail we couldn't put him in a standard cheetah box to catch his brother, who we needed to catch so that they could convalesce together before releasing them both back into the wild together, we housed Bob in one of the holding pens attached the Bellebeno cheetah pen. The next morning, after his tail amputation and extensive anesthesia we found that his brother had been caught and Bob had climbed over the fence and was in the pen with all the female cheetahs! We moved him out immediately, however not quick enough as in mid-July 2005 Shiraz gave birth to four very healthy cheetah cubs! This was exactly 90 days after Bob had visited the Bellebeno pen. (The cheetah’s gestation period is between 90-93 days). As this litter was not a planned captive breeding, Bob and CCF were given a reprieve from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (as captive breeding is not allowed in Namibia). So, although very surprised, we are happy that the four new cheetah cubs have come into the world, and we are very proud of the way Shiraz has been raising them. She is an excellent mother!
Shiraz and her cubs, Sheya, Linyanti, Omukumo and Nehale now live in a two and a half acre enclosure next to the Bellebeno camp. And, we have identified Shiraz and her cubs to be a part of some of our ground-breaking research.
We are very happy to announce that we will be releasing Shiraz and her cubs into CCF’s 6,000 acre game camp to be a part of a research project on re-introduction of captive cheetahs back into the wild. This is the second re-introduction project that CCF has been involved with and we do hope that Shiraz will learn how to hunt on her own, however, she will be closely monitored by our research staff and fed if not hunting, and that she will be successful in then teaching her cubs how to hunt and survive in the wild as they grow up. We hope our research will give this cheetah family the rare opportunity to live the way we dream all cheetahs should, wild and free.
In your next update, we will let you know how they all are doing.
…And as for Bob, his tail healed and he was released. And, we have recently captured Bob and his brother on our camera-traps, where they are frequenting one of their territorial pathways, yes, near the Bellebeno female cheetah pens. He has visited his cubs regularly. And, our camera traps have enabled us to determine that his tail has healed beautifully and he is in very good condition.
As you know, Shiraz came to CCF in August 2001 with her brother, Merlot and mother Chardonnay. Her mother died shortly after coming to CCF and she had to be separated from her brother, Merlot, as both had reached sexual maturity. She and Merlot were put together with other cheetahs of similar sex. Shiraz has been living with 10 other females in the 200 acre Bellebeno cheetah enclosure.
In mid-April 2005, two wild male cheetahs were seen in our camera-traps near the Bellebeno cheetah pen. One had a badly damaged tail, so we set a trap cage and captured him and indeed his tail needed to be amputated. We named him Bob. After his tail we couldn't put him in a standard cheetah box to catch his brother, who we needed to catch so that they could convalesce together before releasing them both back into the wild together, we housed Bob in one of the holding pens attached the Bellebeno cheetah pen. The next morning, after his tail amputation and extensive anesthesia we found that his brother had been caught and Bob had climbed over the fence and was in the pen with all the female cheetahs! We moved him out immediately, however not quick enough as in mid-July 2005 Shiraz gave birth to four very healthy cheetah cubs! This was exactly 90 days after Bob had visited the Bellebeno pen. (The cheetah’s gestation period is between 90-93 days). As this litter was not a planned captive breeding, Bob and CCF were given a reprieve from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (as captive breeding is not allowed in Namibia). So, although very surprised, we are happy that the four new cheetah cubs have come into the world, and we are very proud of the way Shiraz has been raising them. She is an excellent mother!
Shiraz and her cubs, Sheya, Linyanti, Omukumo and Nehale now live in a two and a half acre enclosure next to the Bellebeno camp. And, we have identified Shiraz and her cubs to be a part of some of our ground-breaking research.
We are very happy to announce that we will be releasing Shiraz and her cubs into CCF’s 6,000 acre game camp to be a part of a research project on re-introduction of captive cheetahs back into the wild. This is the second re-introduction project that CCF has been involved with and we do hope that Shiraz will learn how to hunt on her own, however, she will be closely monitored by our research staff and fed if not hunting, and that she will be successful in then teaching her cubs how to hunt and survive in the wild as they grow up. We hope our research will give this cheetah family the rare opportunity to live the way we dream all cheetahs should, wild and free.
In your next update, we will let you know how they all are doing.
…And as for Bob, his tail healed and he was released. And, we have recently captured Bob and his brother on our camera-traps, where they are frequenting one of their territorial pathways, yes, near the Bellebeno female cheetah pens. He has visited his cubs regularly. And, our camera traps have enabled us to determine that his tail has healed beautifully and he is in very good condition.
Cheetah Update: Chanel
From your last update on Chanel, we’d like to tell you a bit more about her and what she has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you know, Chanel arrived at CCF in May 2001 with her brothers, Calvin and Klein in very poor condition. Luckily she is a fighter and she pulled through.
Chanel is the largest female at CCF. She is quite bold towards humans, but is less dominant when it comes to the rest of the cheetahs. Although she shares her 200 acre enclosure with 10 other female cheetahs she doesn't really seem to have bonded with any of the others and is very much a loner. This is very much how an adult female would live in the wild.
Chanel tipped the scales at 40.5 kilograms; this is above average for a Namibian female cheetah (average is 36 kilograms). During her physical, she also had all the burrs combed out and a one of our CCF volunteers, who is also a dentist, Dr. Larry Friedman, cleaned her teeth and confirmed that all her teeth were looking great, however they did show normal wear which is to be expected with her age.
As you know, Chanel arrived at CCF in May 2001 with her brothers, Calvin and Klein in very poor condition. Luckily she is a fighter and she pulled through.
Chanel is the largest female at CCF. She is quite bold towards humans, but is less dominant when it comes to the rest of the cheetahs. Although she shares her 200 acre enclosure with 10 other female cheetahs she doesn't really seem to have bonded with any of the others and is very much a loner. This is very much how an adult female would live in the wild.
Chanel tipped the scales at 40.5 kilograms; this is above average for a Namibian female cheetah (average is 36 kilograms). During her physical, she also had all the burrs combed out and a one of our CCF volunteers, who is also a dentist, Dr. Larry Friedman, cleaned her teeth and confirmed that all her teeth were looking great, however they did show normal wear which is to be expected with her age.
Cheetah Update: Solo
From your last update on Solo, we’d like to tell you a bit more about her and what she has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you know, Solo and her siblings arrived at CCF in January 2001. They were just over a year old. When her brother and sister went to the USA, she was placed in an enclosure with 3 other females; Blondi, Sandy and Dusty. She never really bonded with any of them and was a bit of a loner, thereby the name “Solo”. When Nina arrived we placed them together and she and Solo bonded immediately. All at CCF were happy as Solo had found a friend and they have been inseparable since. Now, they live in the 200 acre enclosure. When it is feeding time, Solo and Nina wait at the gate and stalk the truck as if it is their prey. Once in, the CCF staff drive the truck down the road of the 200 acre enclosure, with the cats running behind. This gives them daily exercise before getting their food. Solo and Nina always follows the car very closely, keeping nicely up to speed as they like to be one of the first to get their food that is then thrown out of the back of the truck to each individual cheetah.
As you know, Solo and her siblings arrived at CCF in January 2001. They were just over a year old. When her brother and sister went to the USA, she was placed in an enclosure with 3 other females; Blondi, Sandy and Dusty. She never really bonded with any of them and was a bit of a loner, thereby the name “Solo”. When Nina arrived we placed them together and she and Solo bonded immediately. All at CCF were happy as Solo had found a friend and they have been inseparable since. Now, they live in the 200 acre enclosure. When it is feeding time, Solo and Nina wait at the gate and stalk the truck as if it is their prey. Once in, the CCF staff drive the truck down the road of the 200 acre enclosure, with the cats running behind. This gives them daily exercise before getting their food. Solo and Nina always follows the car very closely, keeping nicely up to speed as they like to be one of the first to get their food that is then thrown out of the back of the truck to each individual cheetah.
Cheetah Update: Nina
From your last update on Nina, we’d like to tell you a bit more about her and what she has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you know, Nina and her brother Josie arrived at CCF when they were 8 months old. As they reached sexual maturity, they had to be separated. They were both put together with other orphans of similar ages. Since they were about 16 months of age, Nina has been living in CCF’s 200 acre Bellebeno camp with 10 other female cheetahs. Her favorite companion is Solo, but these two females also spend a lot of time with another female Misty.
Nina always waits at the gate with her two friends and when the keepers want to come into the enclosure to feed, they have to “move” the girls away from the gate. Usually luring them with to one side, as the truck drives in. Once in, the CCF staff drive the truck down the road of the 200 acre enclosure, with the cats running behind. This gives them daily exercise before getting their food. Nina always follows the car very closely, keeping nicely up to speed as she likes to be one of the first to get her food that is then thrown out of the back of the truck to each individual cheetah.
As you know, Nina and her brother Josie arrived at CCF when they were 8 months old. As they reached sexual maturity, they had to be separated. They were both put together with other orphans of similar ages. Since they were about 16 months of age, Nina has been living in CCF’s 200 acre Bellebeno camp with 10 other female cheetahs. Her favorite companion is Solo, but these two females also spend a lot of time with another female Misty.
Nina always waits at the gate with her two friends and when the keepers want to come into the enclosure to feed, they have to “move” the girls away from the gate. Usually luring them with to one side, as the truck drives in. Once in, the CCF staff drive the truck down the road of the 200 acre enclosure, with the cats running behind. This gives them daily exercise before getting their food. Nina always follows the car very closely, keeping nicely up to speed as she likes to be one of the first to get her food that is then thrown out of the back of the truck to each individual cheetah.
Cheetah Update: Cruise
From your last update on Cruise, we’d like to tell you a bit more about him and what he has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you know, Cruise and his brother Kilmer were brought to CCF in September 1998. Unfortunately his brother, Kilmer died in July 2005, but Cruise lives happily in his enclosure.
Cruise is one of our more vocal cats, with a distinctive "bark". Since his brother died, he seems to enjoy a “talk” with his keepers at feeding time. Earlier this year he was moved to a new compound, in close proximity to four other adult males. CCF staff had some concerns that Cruise might feel intimidated and may suffer stress as a result in his new environment, but he is very stimulated these days as he appears to be the dominant one! He spends a lot of his day, marking territory and letting the other males know he is boss of the area.
Cruise tipped the scales at 42 kilograms. During his physical Dr. Larry Freedman, a visiting dentist and a CCF volunteer, had to pull one of Cruise’s teeth. When Cruise first came to CCF he had to have a root canal. Dr. Freedman checked Cruise out filling in the entry hole at the tip where the old root canal was done and smoothed the fractured edges. Cruise’s anterior incisors showed severe wear, the cuspids showed slight wear and the posterior none, except the lower posterior molars. Dr. Freedman smoothed off the right and left sharpened cusps of the lower molars as well. In addition to this, all burrs were combed out of Cruise and he the rest of his health check was normal.
As you know, Cruise and his brother Kilmer were brought to CCF in September 1998. Unfortunately his brother, Kilmer died in July 2005, but Cruise lives happily in his enclosure.
Cruise is one of our more vocal cats, with a distinctive "bark". Since his brother died, he seems to enjoy a “talk” with his keepers at feeding time. Earlier this year he was moved to a new compound, in close proximity to four other adult males. CCF staff had some concerns that Cruise might feel intimidated and may suffer stress as a result in his new environment, but he is very stimulated these days as he appears to be the dominant one! He spends a lot of his day, marking territory and letting the other males know he is boss of the area.
Cruise tipped the scales at 42 kilograms. During his physical Dr. Larry Freedman, a visiting dentist and a CCF volunteer, had to pull one of Cruise’s teeth. When Cruise first came to CCF he had to have a root canal. Dr. Freedman checked Cruise out filling in the entry hole at the tip where the old root canal was done and smoothed the fractured edges. Cruise’s anterior incisors showed severe wear, the cuspids showed slight wear and the posterior none, except the lower posterior molars. Dr. Freedman smoothed off the right and left sharpened cusps of the lower molars as well. In addition to this, all burrs were combed out of Cruise and he the rest of his health check was normal.
Cheetah Update: Merlot
From your last update on Merlot, we’d like to tell you a bit more about him and what he has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you know, Merlot, along with his mother and sister, came to CCF when he was a year and a half old. He was separated from them shortly after arriving at CCF as he had reached sexual maturity. He was put together to live with another male cheetah of similar age, Klein. They have bonded very strongly and are the best of friends. Male cheetahs live in a coalition of males, usually siblings, however, young males, if alone, will bond together with an unrelated male. These male coalitions stay together their entire lives.
Merlot has marks resembling exclamation points above his eyes, almost making him look startled all the time. He is less dominant than his enclosure counterpart, Klein, but is still a big and strong male.
As you know, Merlot, along with his mother and sister, came to CCF when he was a year and a half old. He was separated from them shortly after arriving at CCF as he had reached sexual maturity. He was put together to live with another male cheetah of similar age, Klein. They have bonded very strongly and are the best of friends. Male cheetahs live in a coalition of males, usually siblings, however, young males, if alone, will bond together with an unrelated male. These male coalitions stay together their entire lives.
Merlot has marks resembling exclamation points above his eyes, almost making him look startled all the time. He is less dominant than his enclosure counterpart, Klein, but is still a big and strong male.
Cheetah Update: Klein
From your last update on Klein, we’d like to tell you a bit more about him and what he has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you know, Klein and his siblings Chanel and Calvin arrived at CCF as orphans when they were 12 months old. Klein was in a terrible condition. Luckily, he had a strong constitution and was a fighter as he managed to pull through. He is now very health and shares an enclosure with another male cheetah, Merlot and appears quite content. Male cheetahs live in a coalition of males, usually siblings, however, young males, if alone, will bond together with an unrelated male. These male coalitions stay together their entire lives.
Klein is a big, handsome cat, with a dominant personality. He frequently takes his meal for a "walk", grabbing it out of the bowl and running a lap around his 5 acre enclosure before returning to the bowl to eat, placing the meat back in the bowl. Cheetahs don’t like their food getting dirty.
As you know, Klein and his siblings Chanel and Calvin arrived at CCF as orphans when they were 12 months old. Klein was in a terrible condition. Luckily, he had a strong constitution and was a fighter as he managed to pull through. He is now very health and shares an enclosure with another male cheetah, Merlot and appears quite content. Male cheetahs live in a coalition of males, usually siblings, however, young males, if alone, will bond together with an unrelated male. These male coalitions stay together their entire lives.
Klein is a big, handsome cat, with a dominant personality. He frequently takes his meal for a "walk", grabbing it out of the bowl and running a lap around his 5 acre enclosure before returning to the bowl to eat, placing the meat back in the bowl. Cheetahs don’t like their food getting dirty.
Cheetah Update: Gremlin
From your last update on Gremlin, we’d like to tell you a bit more about him and what he has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you know, Gremlin arrived at CCF an orphan with his sister, Gremlin Girl, when they were just 8 weeks old. When Gremlin Girl was sent to the USA, Gremlin was alone and in need of a friend to bond with. Gremlin now shares an enclosure with another orphan male about his same age, Josie. Gremlin appears to be the dominate male between the coalition.
Feeding time is when we see the cheetahs most. Often, when CCF staff and volunteers come to feed them he will jump at the fence without warning, frequently startling volunteers who aren't expecting it. And at other times, they get so mesmerized by watching a passing warthog or kudu that they forget to come and eat! That natural instinct to stack is so strong. Otherwise, they have very healthy appetites and come at a run at feeding times, frequently racing their neighbours, Klein and Merlot, down the fence line.
As you know, Gremlin arrived at CCF an orphan with his sister, Gremlin Girl, when they were just 8 weeks old. When Gremlin Girl was sent to the USA, Gremlin was alone and in need of a friend to bond with. Gremlin now shares an enclosure with another orphan male about his same age, Josie. Gremlin appears to be the dominate male between the coalition.
Feeding time is when we see the cheetahs most. Often, when CCF staff and volunteers come to feed them he will jump at the fence without warning, frequently startling volunteers who aren't expecting it. And at other times, they get so mesmerized by watching a passing warthog or kudu that they forget to come and eat! That natural instinct to stack is so strong. Otherwise, they have very healthy appetites and come at a run at feeding times, frequently racing their neighbours, Klein and Merlot, down the fence line.
Cheetah Update: Josie
From your last update on Josie, we’d like to tell you a bit more about him and what he has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you know, Josie arrived at CCF an orphan with his sister, Nina, when they were 8 months old. When siblings reach sexual maturity, the different sexes need to be separated; therefore Josie was placed with another orphan near to his age, Gremlin. Josie and Gremlin have formed a strong friendship. It’s amazing that their stalking instinct is so strong that at feeding time they sometimes get so mesmerized by a passing warthog or kudu that they forget to come and eat. Otherwise, they have very healthy appetites and come at a run at feeding times, frequently racing their neighbors, Klein and Merlot, down the fence line.
As you know, Josie arrived at CCF an orphan with his sister, Nina, when they were 8 months old. When siblings reach sexual maturity, the different sexes need to be separated; therefore Josie was placed with another orphan near to his age, Gremlin. Josie and Gremlin have formed a strong friendship. It’s amazing that their stalking instinct is so strong that at feeding time they sometimes get so mesmerized by a passing warthog or kudu that they forget to come and eat. Otherwise, they have very healthy appetites and come at a run at feeding times, frequently racing their neighbors, Klein and Merlot, down the fence line.
Cheetah Update: Leia
From your last update on Leia, we’d like to tell you a bit more about her and what she has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you already know, Leia shares an enclosure with her adopted sisters Sandy, Dusty and Blondi. Leia never really took part in the “Cheetah Runs”, preferring to watch the other 3 from a distance, however about three months ago, out of the blue (and to the delight of CCF staff members), Leia decided to participate in the runs and has now become a regular. These cheetahs are excellent ambassadors to CCF and two to three times a week they thrill school groups, visitors and our own volunteers by demonstrating their athletic skills! All four girls chase a lure, showing incredible maneuverability while trying to snatch the lure in a flat-out run. While the other cheetahs anticipate a meat treat when they capture the lure, Leia always declines. She seems to run purely for the enjoyment of it.
In December, Leia had an infection in her salivary glands under her tongue. She was salivating very badly. This is re-occurring problem with her. She was anesthetized and than to the vet who had to drain and flush them and placed her on an antibiotic treatment. During her physical all looked to be OK again with her. In addition to her full check up, she also had all the burrs and stickers combed out, and a one of our CCF volunteers, who is also a dentist, Dr. Larry Friedman, cleaned her teeth and confirmed that all her teeth were looking great!
As you already know, Leia shares an enclosure with her adopted sisters Sandy, Dusty and Blondi. Leia never really took part in the “Cheetah Runs”, preferring to watch the other 3 from a distance, however about three months ago, out of the blue (and to the delight of CCF staff members), Leia decided to participate in the runs and has now become a regular. These cheetahs are excellent ambassadors to CCF and two to three times a week they thrill school groups, visitors and our own volunteers by demonstrating their athletic skills! All four girls chase a lure, showing incredible maneuverability while trying to snatch the lure in a flat-out run. While the other cheetahs anticipate a meat treat when they capture the lure, Leia always declines. She seems to run purely for the enjoyment of it.
In December, Leia had an infection in her salivary glands under her tongue. She was salivating very badly. This is re-occurring problem with her. She was anesthetized and than to the vet who had to drain and flush them and placed her on an antibiotic treatment. During her physical all looked to be OK again with her. In addition to her full check up, she also had all the burrs and stickers combed out, and a one of our CCF volunteers, who is also a dentist, Dr. Larry Friedman, cleaned her teeth and confirmed that all her teeth were looking great!
Cheetah Update: Sandy
From your last update on Sandy, we’d like to tell you a bit more about her and what she has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you already know, Sandy shares an enclosure with her adopted sisters Blondi, Dusty and Leia. These cheetahs are excellent ambassadors to CCF and two to three times a week they thrill school groups, visitors and our own volunteers by demonstrating their athletic skills! All four girls chase a lure, showing incredible maneuverability while trying to snatch the lure in a flat-out run. Sandy is one of our best runners. When she's successful in capturing the rag used as a lure, she is often reluctant to give it up, opting instead to drag it off the course, string and all.
Beginning in January, all the CCF resident cheetahs undergo their annual health examination, performed by our Veterinarian, Dr. Arthur Bagot-Smith. These health checks are part of the Namibian permit requirements and also give us the opportunity to check on the health of our cheetahs. During the exam, each cheetah undergoes a clinical examination, from head to tail to ensure all joints are working and internal organs, such as the kidneys feel normal. They are also checked for external parasites, treated if necessary and vaccinated for feline distemper and rabies. Blood is also collected and these samples are screened for viruses and overall health to make sure that all organs, such as the liver, are functioning well.
In addition, each cheetah is endoscoped. This particular procedure forms part of a long-term research project to monitor the possible development of a disease called gastritis and the helicobacter that is associated with it. Gastritis is one of the diseases that plague captive cheetahs around the world, while the free-ranging cheetahs seem not to suffer from this debilitating disease. By monitoring the cheetahs that arrive at CCF and are unable to be released, we are able to see if they develop the disease after a period of time in captivity. It is possible that stress is one of the causative agents in this disease, possibly affected by factors such as exposure to humans, pen size, exercise levels and diet. Our cheetahs have relatively low exposure to humans, live in large enclosures, get lots of exercise and are on an unprocessed meat and bone diet, all of which really seem to agree with them, as they are in excellent health.
Sandy is a smaller than average cheetah (average is 36 kilograms) weighing in at 34 kilograms. Even though she weighs a bit less than the other females, her weight is consistent and fitting her small frame and build. During her physical, she also had all the burrs and stickers combed out, and a one of our CCF volunteers, who is also a dentist, Dr. Larry Friedman, cleaned her teeth and confirmed that all her teeth were looking great!
As you already know, Sandy shares an enclosure with her adopted sisters Blondi, Dusty and Leia. These cheetahs are excellent ambassadors to CCF and two to three times a week they thrill school groups, visitors and our own volunteers by demonstrating their athletic skills! All four girls chase a lure, showing incredible maneuverability while trying to snatch the lure in a flat-out run. Sandy is one of our best runners. When she's successful in capturing the rag used as a lure, she is often reluctant to give it up, opting instead to drag it off the course, string and all.
Beginning in January, all the CCF resident cheetahs undergo their annual health examination, performed by our Veterinarian, Dr. Arthur Bagot-Smith. These health checks are part of the Namibian permit requirements and also give us the opportunity to check on the health of our cheetahs. During the exam, each cheetah undergoes a clinical examination, from head to tail to ensure all joints are working and internal organs, such as the kidneys feel normal. They are also checked for external parasites, treated if necessary and vaccinated for feline distemper and rabies. Blood is also collected and these samples are screened for viruses and overall health to make sure that all organs, such as the liver, are functioning well.
In addition, each cheetah is endoscoped. This particular procedure forms part of a long-term research project to monitor the possible development of a disease called gastritis and the helicobacter that is associated with it. Gastritis is one of the diseases that plague captive cheetahs around the world, while the free-ranging cheetahs seem not to suffer from this debilitating disease. By monitoring the cheetahs that arrive at CCF and are unable to be released, we are able to see if they develop the disease after a period of time in captivity. It is possible that stress is one of the causative agents in this disease, possibly affected by factors such as exposure to humans, pen size, exercise levels and diet. Our cheetahs have relatively low exposure to humans, live in large enclosures, get lots of exercise and are on an unprocessed meat and bone diet, all of which really seem to agree with them, as they are in excellent health.
Sandy is a smaller than average cheetah (average is 36 kilograms) weighing in at 34 kilograms. Even though she weighs a bit less than the other females, her weight is consistent and fitting her small frame and build. During her physical, she also had all the burrs and stickers combed out, and a one of our CCF volunteers, who is also a dentist, Dr. Larry Friedman, cleaned her teeth and confirmed that all her teeth were looking great!
Cheetah Update: Dusty
From your last update on Dusty, we’d like to tell you a bit more about her and what she has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you already know, Dusty shares an enclosure with her sister Blondi, and two other female cheetahs, Sandy and Leia. These cheetahs are excellent ambassadors to CCF and two to three times a week they thrill school groups, visitors and our own volunteers by demonstrating their athletic skills! All four girls chase a lure, showing incredible maneuverability while trying to snatch the lure in a flat-out run. Dusty is one of the best runners and seems to really enjoy the exercise. She is a picky eater and sometimes has to be coaxed to eat when she's given anything other than her favorite, donkey meat.
Dusty tipped the scales at 39 kilograms, just above average for a Namibian female cheetah (average is 36 kilograms). During her physical, she also had all the burrs combed out and one of our CCF volunteers and dentist, Dr. Larry Friedman, who came in January to assist with the medical workups, had to pull one of her molar teeth. After a course of antibiotics she is doing fine.
As you already know, Dusty shares an enclosure with her sister Blondi, and two other female cheetahs, Sandy and Leia. These cheetahs are excellent ambassadors to CCF and two to three times a week they thrill school groups, visitors and our own volunteers by demonstrating their athletic skills! All four girls chase a lure, showing incredible maneuverability while trying to snatch the lure in a flat-out run. Dusty is one of the best runners and seems to really enjoy the exercise. She is a picky eater and sometimes has to be coaxed to eat when she's given anything other than her favorite, donkey meat.
Dusty tipped the scales at 39 kilograms, just above average for a Namibian female cheetah (average is 36 kilograms). During her physical, she also had all the burrs combed out and one of our CCF volunteers and dentist, Dr. Larry Friedman, who came in January to assist with the medical workups, had to pull one of her molar teeth. After a course of antibiotics she is doing fine.
Cheetah Update: Blondi
From your last update on Blondi, we’d like to tell you a bit more about her and what she has been doing over the past six-month period.
As you already know, Blondi shares an enclosure with her sister Dusty, and two other female cheetahs, Sandy and Leia. These cheetahs are excellent ambassadors to CCF and two to three times a week they thrill school groups, visitors and our own volunteers by demonstrating their athletic skills! All four girls chase a lure, showing incredible maneuverability while trying to snatch the lure in a flat-out run. Blondi is an excellent runner and seems to really enjoy the exercise. During the afternoon feeding, also most often viewed by visitors, Blondi likes to take her meat up on the roof of her shelter to eat instead of eating out of a bowl like the rest of the cheetahs.
Blondi tipped the scales at 42 kilograms, this is above average for a Namibian female cheetah (average is 36 kilograms). Her weight was in fact exactly the same as last year. During her physical, she also had all the burrs combed out and a one of our CCF volunteers, who is also a dentist, Dr. Larry Friedman, cleaned her teeth and confirmed that all her teeth were looking great!
As you already know, Blondi shares an enclosure with her sister Dusty, and two other female cheetahs, Sandy and Leia. These cheetahs are excellent ambassadors to CCF and two to three times a week they thrill school groups, visitors and our own volunteers by demonstrating their athletic skills! All four girls chase a lure, showing incredible maneuverability while trying to snatch the lure in a flat-out run. Blondi is an excellent runner and seems to really enjoy the exercise. During the afternoon feeding, also most often viewed by visitors, Blondi likes to take her meat up on the roof of her shelter to eat instead of eating out of a bowl like the rest of the cheetahs.
Blondi tipped the scales at 42 kilograms, this is above average for a Namibian female cheetah (average is 36 kilograms). Her weight was in fact exactly the same as last year. During her physical, she also had all the burrs combed out and a one of our CCF volunteers, who is also a dentist, Dr. Larry Friedman, cleaned her teeth and confirmed that all her teeth were looking great!
Ethiopia: Cubs doing well
CCF's friend, Befekadu Refera, of the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Agency, visited the cheetah cubs at the National Palace Zoo Gardens in February, along with Wildlife Department Veterinarian, Dr. Kifle. Befekadu was instrumental in the cubs' rescue effort. In his own words, "It was a fantastic visit. The Cheetah cubs are in a very good situation and they are in good hands. They have grown well."
We are currently evaluating future needs for these cubs, and will continue posting updates on this section.
We are currently evaluating future needs for these cubs, and will continue posting updates on this section.
Shiraz in soft-release study
In February, as a part of our soft-release research, we released some of our resident cheetahs - Shiraz and her four cubs - into our fenced reserve, Bellebeno. Our staff, students and volunteers are monitoring the cats constantly through radio-telemetry. Our hope is that Shiraz will learn how to hunt and, in doing so, will teach her cubs to make them more self-sufficient in the wild. This is ground breaking research and is being done very systematically. We will keep you posted on their progress.
Cheetah Census
In Namibia, one of the exciting research projects on the way is to help us estimate the remaining populations of cheetah in non-invasive manners. We do this via photographic captures, and DNA-based captures. In photo trapping, the animal will trigger self-activating cameras and take their own pictures. Last year we purchased a total of 40 Deer CAM passive motion/heat sensor camera traps to this effect. In the DNA-based sample surveys, instead of a picture of the animal, the individual identification is provided by a sample of a body hair that is snagged by a device placed in the animal's path. CCF's research during the past six months has focused on developing techniques to employ these census methodologies in CCF's research study area.
Cheetah Checkups!
In February, the annual cheetah check-ups began, and in one week, staff and volunteers worked on 10 of our 38 cheetahs, conducting endoscopies, collecting blood, doing compete physicals, and giving them their annual vaccinations for both feline distemper and rabies. Our EarthWatch and CCF volunteers joined in on all parts of this work as well sharing the long days and hard work. You can also come and help by signing up as a volunteer: click here for more information on how you can help.
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