What the volunteers say about feeding cheetahs at CCF

We thought you might enjoy reading some comments left by volunteers who have spent time helping us at CCF. Even though volunteers help with many tasks, it is obvious that cheetah feeding is one of the biggest thrills.

These are mostly about Klein (photo), our beautiful big boy who has been getting medication for a herpes infection on his legs. If you’d like to sponsor Klein or any of the other cheetahs under our care, please visit our Cheetah Sponsorship page here: http://www.cheetah.org/?nd=cheetah_enclosure

Alice P, Earthwatch Volunteer – Feeding the cheetahs is an once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will always remember.  I loved seeing their magnificent strides as they ran alongside the truck.   I watched old Cruise as he cut corners to make his run shorter.  I’m glad he was given chopped up meat because he’s old and his teeth aren’t as good as they used to be.  Even at his age, his is a graceful and magnificent animal as all cheetahs are. I liked the interaction between Klein and Matt as Matt sprayed Klein’s herpes with mediation.  Klein stood close to the fence and allowed Matt to spray his legs, but he let Matt know that he didn’t appreciate it very much.  I love the various vocalizations of the cheetahs, especially the one that sounds like a meow.  And while I love seeing them run like the wind, my favourite thing to see is when they lie next to each other and groom each other, purring! I will always remember CCF, the cheetahs, and the people.  Thanks to everyone for making it a wonderful, memorable experience. 

Gay H, Earthwatch Volunteer – How I wish I had more time here to learn more about the individual personalities of these exquisite cats.  Joining in the feeding activity is the best opportunity to do so and both Matt and Kate are excellent instructors. However, there may be surprises for experienced keeper Matt.  Since Klein receives special supplement embedded food, Matt states that Klein must be allowed to enter the pen first, as he always goes for the meat on the right – the doctored meat.  Not this time though – so Merlot’s meat today was more than just meat!  Thanks for a truly unique experience!

Alice P, Earthwatch Volunteer – Today I went again on the truck to feed the cheetahs.  What an exhilarating experience!  Nina seems to be affectionate because she was rubbing her face against the fence while the other girls were hissing and spitting.  I loved watching Solo keep up with the truck and run alongside while everyone else was behind the truck.  She is the best runner! Klein got his correct piece of meat today with his supplements.  He grabbed the meat on the right, which he normally chooses (except the other day he chose the nice, bloody piece on the left!). I don’t have a favourite cheetah; I think they are all wonderful.  However, if I had to choose, it would be Phoenix because he is the loudest purrer. Thank you to everyone for letting us get up close and personal with the cheetahs.

Gay H, Earthwatch Volunteer – Kudos today to Matt and Klein – Klein for being cheetah enough to take his meds.  And travelling along with the Bellebenno girls and throwing out their rewards was a terrific activity, thank you Matt!

For information about volunteering with us, please visit http://www.cheetah.org/?nd=volunteer.

I’ll be posting more comments as they come in.

Cheetah purrs to all!

Patricia