Greetings from Namibia! Quite a lot has happened since your last update:
In mid-February, Josie, along with the rest of our resident cats, underwent his annual physical exam. As part of an ongoing study of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) in captive cheetahs, several gastric biopsies were taken using an endoscope. This year for the first time, staff and volunteers were able to see inside of the esophagus and stomach via the endoscopic camera using a monitor. He was also given his annual vaccines against rabies and other feline diseases and Frontline was applied to help control flies and ticks. He has lost a kilogram since last year and now weighs 44 kilograms (96.8 lbs)!
In previous years, we had to dart Josie to anesthetize him for his annual exam, but this year we made use of squeeze cages that were designed and built last July for a study by the Smithsonian Institute. These cages are constructed of iron bars welded together, with doors made of chain link fencing. A wooden floor prevents any foot injuries and a movable side panel allows us to move them to one side, helping in transferring them into a box for transport to the clinic. This is much safer and less stressful for the cats than darting.
A few days before the physical exams neither Josie nor his coalition mate, Gremlin came up to eat. We drove around his enclosure and were surprised to see a wild cheetah they had been sniffing through the fence. Their neighbors Klein and Merlot were also sniffing with their wild neighbor. After the wild cheetah ran away, they started going up to their eating area, focused on food and everything returned to normal.
Male coalitions have a definite hierarchal structure. After being separated during the exams Josie and Gremlin reestablished their roles with a minor scuffle, reinforcing Josie’s position as top cat.
In October, a jackal somehow made its way into the pen, but managed to find its own way out. Then in December, a warthog got into the pen but, made another hole on the opposite side of the fence to make his escape. A walking inspection of the fence line was done and two holes were found, and immediately repaired.
In mid-January, a controlled burn cleared the pen of excess built up grass, restoring the land. The grass has since re-grown, bringing with it a few flowers, including some beautiful white lilies that either hadn’t been there previously or were choked out by the thick grass. The cats now have a lot of space to move freely under trees and between bushes. It also makes mowing in their pens much easier!
Thank you again for sponsoring Josie and we hope that we can count on your continued support in the future.
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Monday, 7 May 2007
Harry - April 2007
Greetings from Namibia! Quite a lot has happened since your last update:
In mid-February, Harry, along with the rest of our resident cats, underwent her annual physical exam. As part of an ongoing study of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) in captive cheetahs, several gastric biopsies were taken using an endoscope. This year for the first time, staff and volunteers were able to see inside of the esophagus and stomach via the endoscopic camera using a monitor. She was also given her annual vaccines against rabies and other feline diseases and Frontline was applied to help control flies and ticks. Harry has almost doubled her weight from last year, from 19 to 34 kilograms (approx. 75 lbs.)! She is still smaller than her brother Ron but, but outweighs her sister, Hermione.
At 19 months old, Harry and her siblings are at an age when they would be independent of their mother. The three of them would normally stay together for another three months, until eventually, a single male or male coalition would force the male sibling (Ron) out so they could mate with the females. Harry and Hermione would then stay in the same general home area where they were born and would raise their cubs there.
However, while in captivity the sibling group need not worry about separating. As a precautionary measure Ron was given contraception in the form of a microchip this year during his annual exam. Along with his sisters, he continues to enjoy exercising by running after their lure system. While Hermione is the most eager, Harry remains the most tireless runner of the trio, as well as the fastest. She still jumps up before we can give her a meat treat and walks away from the rag she has worked so hard to snag.
At feeding time, all three race to their feeding bowls, with Ron and Harry usually leading the charge. Harry is the last to finish, but is usually able to keep Ron from stealing her food by growling at him when he comes too close. When she needs to, she will slap at him, a final warning, as if to say “I’m not going to tell you again. Let me eat!” When she finishes eating, she retires to a shady tree and lies down to let her food digest.
Thank you again for sponsoring Harry and we hope that we can count on your continued support in the future.
In mid-February, Harry, along with the rest of our resident cats, underwent her annual physical exam. As part of an ongoing study of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) in captive cheetahs, several gastric biopsies were taken using an endoscope. This year for the first time, staff and volunteers were able to see inside of the esophagus and stomach via the endoscopic camera using a monitor. She was also given her annual vaccines against rabies and other feline diseases and Frontline was applied to help control flies and ticks. Harry has almost doubled her weight from last year, from 19 to 34 kilograms (approx. 75 lbs.)! She is still smaller than her brother Ron but, but outweighs her sister, Hermione.
At 19 months old, Harry and her siblings are at an age when they would be independent of their mother. The three of them would normally stay together for another three months, until eventually, a single male or male coalition would force the male sibling (Ron) out so they could mate with the females. Harry and Hermione would then stay in the same general home area where they were born and would raise their cubs there.
However, while in captivity the sibling group need not worry about separating. As a precautionary measure Ron was given contraception in the form of a microchip this year during his annual exam. Along with his sisters, he continues to enjoy exercising by running after their lure system. While Hermione is the most eager, Harry remains the most tireless runner of the trio, as well as the fastest. She still jumps up before we can give her a meat treat and walks away from the rag she has worked so hard to snag.
At feeding time, all three race to their feeding bowls, with Ron and Harry usually leading the charge. Harry is the last to finish, but is usually able to keep Ron from stealing her food by growling at him when he comes too close. When she needs to, she will slap at him, a final warning, as if to say “I’m not going to tell you again. Let me eat!” When she finishes eating, she retires to a shady tree and lies down to let her food digest.
Thank you again for sponsoring Harry and we hope that we can count on your continued support in the future.
Hermione - April 2007
Greetings from Namibia! Quite a lot has happened since your last update:
In mid-February, Hermione, along with the rest of our resident cats, underwent her annual physical exam. As part of an ongoing study of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) in captive cheetahs, several gastric biopsies were taken using an endoscope. This year for the first time, staff and volunteers were able to see inside of the esophagus and stomach via the endoscopic camera using a monitor. She was also given her annual vaccines against rabies and other feline diseases and Frontline was applied to help control flies and ticks. She has almost doubled her weight from last year, from 17.5 (38.5lbs) to 32 kilograms (70 lbs). She will keep growing and putting on a little bit more weight, but she is almost at her final adult weight.
In additional to the annual physical exam and in conjunction with our ongoing research collaborations, Hermione was also chosen to be part of a study assessing renal disease in captive cheetahs. Renal disease is considered to be the leading cause of death in captive cheetahs. In a study of 29 zoos in the USA, renal disease was found in 82% of cats; in South Africa, the prevalence rate is 80%. There were three age groups: young, middle, and older; Hermione, at 19 months old, was in the youngest age group.
As you know, Hermione lives with her brother, Ron, and sister, Harry. Siblings develop a strong relationship. In the wild, Ron would have been kicked out by this point, but because Ron can not be put with other males at CCF due to his younger age, the siblings will continue to live together with help from Ron’s contraceptive implant. Hermione stands out with her distinctive dark coloration and feisty personality. All three continue to enjoy exercising by running after the lure system. Hermione continues to be the most eager to run, often encouraging her siblings into joining in.
Surprisingly, at feeding time, it’s a different story. All three races to their feeding bowls, but most of the time Ron and Harry lead the charge and it’s Hermione that is the last to arrive. They almost always eat in the same positions; Ron and Harry flanking Hermione. Hermione is usually the first to finish and doesn’t get greedy and try to steal from her siblings. When she finishes eating, she retires to a shady tree and lies down to let her food digest.
Thank you again for sponsoring Hermione and we hope that we can count on your continued support in the future.
In mid-February, Hermione, along with the rest of our resident cats, underwent her annual physical exam. As part of an ongoing study of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) in captive cheetahs, several gastric biopsies were taken using an endoscope. This year for the first time, staff and volunteers were able to see inside of the esophagus and stomach via the endoscopic camera using a monitor. She was also given her annual vaccines against rabies and other feline diseases and Frontline was applied to help control flies and ticks. She has almost doubled her weight from last year, from 17.5 (38.5lbs) to 32 kilograms (70 lbs). She will keep growing and putting on a little bit more weight, but she is almost at her final adult weight.
In additional to the annual physical exam and in conjunction with our ongoing research collaborations, Hermione was also chosen to be part of a study assessing renal disease in captive cheetahs. Renal disease is considered to be the leading cause of death in captive cheetahs. In a study of 29 zoos in the USA, renal disease was found in 82% of cats; in South Africa, the prevalence rate is 80%. There were three age groups: young, middle, and older; Hermione, at 19 months old, was in the youngest age group.
As you know, Hermione lives with her brother, Ron, and sister, Harry. Siblings develop a strong relationship. In the wild, Ron would have been kicked out by this point, but because Ron can not be put with other males at CCF due to his younger age, the siblings will continue to live together with help from Ron’s contraceptive implant. Hermione stands out with her distinctive dark coloration and feisty personality. All three continue to enjoy exercising by running after the lure system. Hermione continues to be the most eager to run, often encouraging her siblings into joining in.
Surprisingly, at feeding time, it’s a different story. All three races to their feeding bowls, but most of the time Ron and Harry lead the charge and it’s Hermione that is the last to arrive. They almost always eat in the same positions; Ron and Harry flanking Hermione. Hermione is usually the first to finish and doesn’t get greedy and try to steal from her siblings. When she finishes eating, she retires to a shady tree and lies down to let her food digest.
Thank you again for sponsoring Hermione and we hope that we can count on your continued support in the future.
Ron - April 2007
Greetings from Namibia! Quite a lot has happened since your last update:
In mid-February, Ron, along with the rest of our resident cats, underwent his annual physical exam. As part of an ongoing study of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) in captive cheetahs, several gastric biopsies were taking using an endoscope. This year for the first time, staff and volunteers were able to see inside of the esophagus and stomach via the endoscopic camera using a monitor. He was also given his annual vaccines against rabies and other feline diseases and Frontline was applied to help control flies and ticks.
The last time Ron was weighed was in June 2006 when one of his molars was removed. At that time, he weighed 32.5 kilograms; he is now 39 kilograms (85.6 lbs)!
As you know, Ron is in his enclosure with his two sisters, Hermione and Harry. We would have separated him by now and put him with other males of his age, but unfortunately, we do not have any males his age. He also began to exhibit behaviors of sexually mature males. Therefore, he was given contraceptive hormones, which are used to suppress sperm production. As part of our male cheetah’s routine physical exams, we collect sperm, assess it’s quality, and hopefully freeze samples for future use. CCF staff was pleasantly surprised to discover that 19-month-old Ron had viable sperm. Most male cheetahs have viable sperm only after 20 months.
In the wild, Ron and his sisters would now be independent from their mother. In another few months, Ron would be forced out by the local dominant males to find a home area of his own. However, at CCF, thanks to his implant, Ron can stay with his sisters permanently. This way he can continue to harass his sisters at feeding time for their bones. A little growling from Harry will usually keep him off unless it is organ day and then he gets a bit more persistent. Despite his love for food, he is less easily persuaded to let go of the flag during the cheetah run when offered a piece of meat, and likes to pull on the rag as you try.
Thank you again for sponsoring Ron and we hope that we can count on your continued support in the future.
In mid-February, Ron, along with the rest of our resident cats, underwent his annual physical exam. As part of an ongoing study of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) in captive cheetahs, several gastric biopsies were taking using an endoscope. This year for the first time, staff and volunteers were able to see inside of the esophagus and stomach via the endoscopic camera using a monitor. He was also given his annual vaccines against rabies and other feline diseases and Frontline was applied to help control flies and ticks.
The last time Ron was weighed was in June 2006 when one of his molars was removed. At that time, he weighed 32.5 kilograms; he is now 39 kilograms (85.6 lbs)!
As you know, Ron is in his enclosure with his two sisters, Hermione and Harry. We would have separated him by now and put him with other males of his age, but unfortunately, we do not have any males his age. He also began to exhibit behaviors of sexually mature males. Therefore, he was given contraceptive hormones, which are used to suppress sperm production. As part of our male cheetah’s routine physical exams, we collect sperm, assess it’s quality, and hopefully freeze samples for future use. CCF staff was pleasantly surprised to discover that 19-month-old Ron had viable sperm. Most male cheetahs have viable sperm only after 20 months.
In the wild, Ron and his sisters would now be independent from their mother. In another few months, Ron would be forced out by the local dominant males to find a home area of his own. However, at CCF, thanks to his implant, Ron can stay with his sisters permanently. This way he can continue to harass his sisters at feeding time for their bones. A little growling from Harry will usually keep him off unless it is organ day and then he gets a bit more persistent. Despite his love for food, he is less easily persuaded to let go of the flag during the cheetah run when offered a piece of meat, and likes to pull on the rag as you try.
Thank you again for sponsoring Ron and we hope that we can count on your continued support in the future.
Leia - April 2007
Greetings from Namibia! Quite a lot has happened since your last update:
In mid-February, Leia, along with the rest of our resident cats, underwent her annual physical exam. As part of an ongoing study of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) in captive cheetahs, several gastric biopsies were taken using an endoscope. This year for the first time, staff and volunteers were able to see inside of the esophagus and stomach via the endoscopic camera using a monitor. She was also given her annual vaccines against rabies and other feline diseases and Frontline was applied to help control flies and ticks. Leia weighted 34 kilograms (74.8lbs), making her the smallest cat in her enclosure with Blondi, Dusty, and Sandy
In additional to the annual physical exam and in conjunction with our ongoing research collaborations, Leia was also chosen to be part of a study assessing renal disease in captive cheetahs. Renal disease is considered to be the leading cause of death in captive cheetahs. In a study of 29 zoos in the USA, renal disease was found in 82% of cats; in South Africa, the prevalence rate is 80%. There were three age groups: young, middle, and old; Leia, at almost 11 years old, was in the old age group.
Leia continues to remain active, running with zeal as she chases the lure with her pen mates Blondie, Dusty, and Sandy. Despite her age, she continues to be one of the most focused at catching the rag. One of her favorite games is to stalk the lure. Leia sits under a tree, hardly visible to spectators. As the lure passes, she jumps out to ambush her “prey”. Leia is unwilling to take meat off the spoon. She prefers to have the meat thrown to her.
Thank you again for sponsoring Leia and we hope that we can count on your continued support in the future.
In mid-February, Leia, along with the rest of our resident cats, underwent her annual physical exam. As part of an ongoing study of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) in captive cheetahs, several gastric biopsies were taken using an endoscope. This year for the first time, staff and volunteers were able to see inside of the esophagus and stomach via the endoscopic camera using a monitor. She was also given her annual vaccines against rabies and other feline diseases and Frontline was applied to help control flies and ticks. Leia weighted 34 kilograms (74.8lbs), making her the smallest cat in her enclosure with Blondi, Dusty, and Sandy
In additional to the annual physical exam and in conjunction with our ongoing research collaborations, Leia was also chosen to be part of a study assessing renal disease in captive cheetahs. Renal disease is considered to be the leading cause of death in captive cheetahs. In a study of 29 zoos in the USA, renal disease was found in 82% of cats; in South Africa, the prevalence rate is 80%. There were three age groups: young, middle, and old; Leia, at almost 11 years old, was in the old age group.
Leia continues to remain active, running with zeal as she chases the lure with her pen mates Blondie, Dusty, and Sandy. Despite her age, she continues to be one of the most focused at catching the rag. One of her favorite games is to stalk the lure. Leia sits under a tree, hardly visible to spectators. As the lure passes, she jumps out to ambush her “prey”. Leia is unwilling to take meat off the spoon. She prefers to have the meat thrown to her.
Thank you again for sponsoring Leia and we hope that we can count on your continued support in the future.
Sandy - April 2007
Greetings from Namibia! Quite a lot has happened since your last update:
In mid-February, Sandy, along with the rest of our resident cats, underwent her annual physical exam. As part of an ongoing study of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) in captive cheetahs, several gastric biopsies were taken using an endoscope. This year for the first time, staff and volunteers were able to see inside of the esophagus and stomach via the endoscopic camera using a monitor. She was also given her annual vaccines against rabies and other feline diseases and Frontline was applied to help control flies and ticks. Sandy maintained her weight of 36 kilograms (79.2lbs), since the last time she was weighed in July.
In additional to the annual physical exam and in conjunction with our ongoing research collaborations, Sandy was also chosen to be part of a study assessing renal disease in captive cheetahs. Renal disease is considered to be the leading cause of death in captive cheetahs. In a study of 29 zoos in the USA, renal disease was found in 82% of cats; in South Africa, the prevalence rate is 80%. There were three age groups: young, middle, and old; Sandy, at 7 years old, is considered middle-aged.
One particularly eventful day, last autumn, a warthog showed up in front of Sandy’s enclosure. After one unsuccessful attempt after another by staff to shoo the warthog away, Sandy began to charge the fence line. With a stomp and a snort, the warthog faced her and charged right back unimpressed by the cheetah’s attempts to scare him off. The charging continued back and forth between prey and predator. Had the fence not been there, who knows who would have won the fight? In the end, the wart hog ran off and Sandy trotted back to lie underneath one of her favorite shade trees.
Thank you again for sponsoring Sandy and we hope for your continued support in the future.
In mid-February, Sandy, along with the rest of our resident cats, underwent her annual physical exam. As part of an ongoing study of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) in captive cheetahs, several gastric biopsies were taken using an endoscope. This year for the first time, staff and volunteers were able to see inside of the esophagus and stomach via the endoscopic camera using a monitor. She was also given her annual vaccines against rabies and other feline diseases and Frontline was applied to help control flies and ticks. Sandy maintained her weight of 36 kilograms (79.2lbs), since the last time she was weighed in July.
In additional to the annual physical exam and in conjunction with our ongoing research collaborations, Sandy was also chosen to be part of a study assessing renal disease in captive cheetahs. Renal disease is considered to be the leading cause of death in captive cheetahs. In a study of 29 zoos in the USA, renal disease was found in 82% of cats; in South Africa, the prevalence rate is 80%. There were three age groups: young, middle, and old; Sandy, at 7 years old, is considered middle-aged.
One particularly eventful day, last autumn, a warthog showed up in front of Sandy’s enclosure. After one unsuccessful attempt after another by staff to shoo the warthog away, Sandy began to charge the fence line. With a stomp and a snort, the warthog faced her and charged right back unimpressed by the cheetah’s attempts to scare him off. The charging continued back and forth between prey and predator. Had the fence not been there, who knows who would have won the fight? In the end, the wart hog ran off and Sandy trotted back to lie underneath one of her favorite shade trees.
Thank you again for sponsoring Sandy and we hope for your continued support in the future.
Dusty - April 2007
Greetings from Namibia! Quite a lot has happened since your last update:
In mid-February, Dusty, along with the rest of our resident cats, underwent her annual physical exam. As part of an ongoing study of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) in captive cheetahs, several gastric biopsies were taken using an endoscope. This year for the first time, staff and volunteers were able to see inside of the esophagus and stomach via the endoscopic camera using a monitor. She was also given her annual vaccines against rabies and other feline diseases and Frontline was applied to help control flies and ticks. Dusty has gained 1 kilogram since July, making her 37 kilograms (81.4lbs), which is a perfectly average weight female cheetahs.
In additional to the annual physical exam and in conjunction with our ongoing research collaborations, Dusty was also chosen to be part of a study assessing renal disease in captive cheetahs. Renal disease is considered to be the leading cause of death in captive cheetahs. In a study of 29 zoos in the USA, renal disease was found in 82% of cats; in South Africa, the prevalence rate is 80%. There were three age groups: young, middle, and old; Dusty, at 7 years old, is considered middle-aged.
Out of her three other pen mates, Blondie, Leia, and Sandy, Dusty continues to be the most zealous cheetah during their lure runs. Just like people, animals’ personalities change over time. Dusty used to be very interested in people and now she is less likely to approach her keepers, acting more like a wild cheetah.
Thank you again for sponsoring Dusty and we hope for your continued support in the future.
In mid-February, Dusty, along with the rest of our resident cats, underwent her annual physical exam. As part of an ongoing study of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) in captive cheetahs, several gastric biopsies were taken using an endoscope. This year for the first time, staff and volunteers were able to see inside of the esophagus and stomach via the endoscopic camera using a monitor. She was also given her annual vaccines against rabies and other feline diseases and Frontline was applied to help control flies and ticks. Dusty has gained 1 kilogram since July, making her 37 kilograms (81.4lbs), which is a perfectly average weight female cheetahs.
In additional to the annual physical exam and in conjunction with our ongoing research collaborations, Dusty was also chosen to be part of a study assessing renal disease in captive cheetahs. Renal disease is considered to be the leading cause of death in captive cheetahs. In a study of 29 zoos in the USA, renal disease was found in 82% of cats; in South Africa, the prevalence rate is 80%. There were three age groups: young, middle, and old; Dusty, at 7 years old, is considered middle-aged.
Out of her three other pen mates, Blondie, Leia, and Sandy, Dusty continues to be the most zealous cheetah during their lure runs. Just like people, animals’ personalities change over time. Dusty used to be very interested in people and now she is less likely to approach her keepers, acting more like a wild cheetah.
Thank you again for sponsoring Dusty and we hope for your continued support in the future.
Blondi - April 2007
Greetings from Namibia! Quite a lot has happened since your last update:
In mid-February, Blondi, along with the rest of our resident cats, underwent her annual physical exam. As part of an ongoing study of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) in captive cheetahs, several gastric biopsies were taken using an endoscope. This year for the first time, staff and volunteers were able to see inside of the esophagus and stomach via the endoscopic camera using a monitor. She was also given her annual vaccines against rabies and other feline diseases and Frontline was applied to help control flies and ticks. Blondi weighed in at 41 kilograms (90.2lbs), down 2 kilograms from when she was last weighed in July. Forty-one kilograms is a little heavy for a female cheetah, which is not too surprising. While her pen mates, Sandy, Dusty, and Leia usually love to run after the lure, Blondie on the other hand would rather watch them or lie down, being admired by visitors.
In additional to the annual physical exam and in conjunction with our ongoing research collaborations, Blondi was also chosen to be part of a study assessing renal disease in captive cheetahs. Renal disease is considered to be the leading cause of death in captive cheetahs. In a study of 29 zoos in the USA, renal disease was found in 82% of cats; in South Africa, the prevalence rate is 80%. There were three age groups: young, middle, and old; Blondie, at 7 years old, is considered middle-aged.
Blondie spends much of her time walking the fence line, occasionally flirting with Chewbaaka across the way.
Thank you again for sponsoring Blondi and we hope for your continued support in the future.
In mid-February, Blondi, along with the rest of our resident cats, underwent her annual physical exam. As part of an ongoing study of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) in captive cheetahs, several gastric biopsies were taken using an endoscope. This year for the first time, staff and volunteers were able to see inside of the esophagus and stomach via the endoscopic camera using a monitor. She was also given her annual vaccines against rabies and other feline diseases and Frontline was applied to help control flies and ticks. Blondi weighed in at 41 kilograms (90.2lbs), down 2 kilograms from when she was last weighed in July. Forty-one kilograms is a little heavy for a female cheetah, which is not too surprising. While her pen mates, Sandy, Dusty, and Leia usually love to run after the lure, Blondie on the other hand would rather watch them or lie down, being admired by visitors.
In additional to the annual physical exam and in conjunction with our ongoing research collaborations, Blondi was also chosen to be part of a study assessing renal disease in captive cheetahs. Renal disease is considered to be the leading cause of death in captive cheetahs. In a study of 29 zoos in the USA, renal disease was found in 82% of cats; in South Africa, the prevalence rate is 80%. There were three age groups: young, middle, and old; Blondie, at 7 years old, is considered middle-aged.
Blondie spends much of her time walking the fence line, occasionally flirting with Chewbaaka across the way.
Thank you again for sponsoring Blondi and we hope for your continued support in the future.
Samantha -April 2007
Samantha
Greetings from Namibia! Quite a lot has happened since your last update:
In mid-February, Samantha, along with the rest of our resident cats, underwent her annual physical exam. As part of an ongoing study of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) in captive cheetahs, several gastric biopsies were taken using an endoscope. This year for the first time, staff and volunteers were able to see inside of the esophagus and stomach via the endoscopic camera using a monitor. She was also given her annual vaccines against rabies and other feline diseases and Frontline was applied to help control flies and ticks. Samantha weighed in at 32 kilograms (70.4 pounds), down almost 2 kilograms from when she was last weighed in July. This makes her the lightest cat in Bellebeno. However, that doesn’t mean she is timid. She makes up for her size by trying to be a very big cat during meal times, slapping the ground and doing her best to give people a good scare.
Samantha is still in the 64 hectare Bellebeno enclosure along with her coalition mates Tempesta, Luna, and Cleo. She and Tempesta have bonded more, but this is expected, since they came to CCF at around the same time, with Cleo and Luna joining them later. They are both three and a half years old, born in July of 2003.
In mid-January, we had a bit of a scare with her. She didn’t show up to eat for three days, so we decided to search for her. This required 10 people to walk the pen in transects, with no one more than a couple of meters apart. We started at 7am, but lo and behold, when we pulled up to the gate, there was Samantha waiting for us at the gate! Her reward was a nice big piece of meat, which she happily carried off into the bush. Since then, Samantha has shown up to eat every day.
Thank you again for sponsoring Samantha and we hope that we can count on your continued support in the future.
Greetings from Namibia! Quite a lot has happened since your last update:
In mid-February, Samantha, along with the rest of our resident cats, underwent her annual physical exam. As part of an ongoing study of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) in captive cheetahs, several gastric biopsies were taken using an endoscope. This year for the first time, staff and volunteers were able to see inside of the esophagus and stomach via the endoscopic camera using a monitor. She was also given her annual vaccines against rabies and other feline diseases and Frontline was applied to help control flies and ticks. Samantha weighed in at 32 kilograms (70.4 pounds), down almost 2 kilograms from when she was last weighed in July. This makes her the lightest cat in Bellebeno. However, that doesn’t mean she is timid. She makes up for her size by trying to be a very big cat during meal times, slapping the ground and doing her best to give people a good scare.
Samantha is still in the 64 hectare Bellebeno enclosure along with her coalition mates Tempesta, Luna, and Cleo. She and Tempesta have bonded more, but this is expected, since they came to CCF at around the same time, with Cleo and Luna joining them later. They are both three and a half years old, born in July of 2003.
In mid-January, we had a bit of a scare with her. She didn’t show up to eat for three days, so we decided to search for her. This required 10 people to walk the pen in transects, with no one more than a couple of meters apart. We started at 7am, but lo and behold, when we pulled up to the gate, there was Samantha waiting for us at the gate! Her reward was a nice big piece of meat, which she happily carried off into the bush. Since then, Samantha has shown up to eat every day.
Thank you again for sponsoring Samantha and we hope that we can count on your continued support in the future.
Kanini - April 2007
Kanini is a flower child and although she wasn’t born in the 60’s, she makes the most of the epithet. She plays in the gardens with the exuberance of youth and can be seen standing among the cacti, posing for the camera, looking at you as if to say, “Isn’t this the most wonderful shot?”
At a little over a year, Kanini is gorgeous in appearance and temperament. Her lithe body is covered in closely spaced small dark spots, while those on her legs are larger and spaced to reveal more of her golden tan background color. There is an imp peeking out through her eyes.
Her real charm is in her personality, which pops out all the time. She plays chase with a small blue ball, but she plays by her rules. As close as we can figure they are these:
· You throw the ball.
· Kanini chases it at a fairly good speed, but not along the trajectory of the ball.
· She detours to make graceful leaps over the gardens and termite mounds.
· Next, she gets to the ball and plops down on the ground.
· You are expected to come and get the ball while she rests and then you may throw it again.
Besides her ball, Kanini loves her chase toy which has small wood and plastic bits at the end of a lunge whip tassel, having her tail pulled, and Laurie, not necessarily in that order.
Thank you again for sponsoring Kanini and we hope for your continued support in the future.
At a little over a year, Kanini is gorgeous in appearance and temperament. Her lithe body is covered in closely spaced small dark spots, while those on her legs are larger and spaced to reveal more of her golden tan background color. There is an imp peeking out through her eyes.
Her real charm is in her personality, which pops out all the time. She plays chase with a small blue ball, but she plays by her rules. As close as we can figure they are these:
· You throw the ball.
· Kanini chases it at a fairly good speed, but not along the trajectory of the ball.
· She detours to make graceful leaps over the gardens and termite mounds.
· Next, she gets to the ball and plops down on the ground.
· You are expected to come and get the ball while she rests and then you may throw it again.
Besides her ball, Kanini loves her chase toy which has small wood and plastic bits at the end of a lunge whip tassel, having her tail pulled, and Laurie, not necessarily in that order.
Thank you again for sponsoring Kanini and we hope for your continued support in the future.
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