Two male cheetah cubs have recently arrived at the Dallas Zoo, where they will be raised alongside a Labrador retriever puppy, believing that the dog’s presence will help keep the big cats calm as they mature.
The cubs, named Winspear and Kamau, were born on July 8 at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Virginia.
They are now eight weeks old and will be joined by Amani, an eight-week-old black Labrador puppy.
The zoo explained that Amani, meaning “peace” in Swahili, will provide a soothing effect on the cubs and act as playmates while they grow.
According to the zoo, dogs are often more at ease in public settings, and Amani’s natural disposition should help the cheetahs adapt as they develop. This pairing strategy has proven successful in similar cases.
Cheetahs are currently endangered, with only around 10,000 remaining in the wild. Known for being the fastest land animals, adult cheetahs can reach up to 60 miles per hour, as reported by National Geographic.
Winspear and Kamau weigh approximately 8 and 6 pounds (3.6 kg and 2.7 kg). According to the zoo, they are expected to grow to about 3 feet (1 meter) tall at the shoulder and could weigh as much as 140 pounds (63 kg) when fully grown.
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