Kasi the cheetah and Mtani the Labrador were raised together as brother and sister, forming an extraordinary bond over the past two years.
Since being brought together at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida, when they were just three months old in April 2011, the pair have spent their days playing and growing up.
Their unique friendship became famous thanks to heartwarming photos that captured their close connection.
However, as Kasi matures into adulthood, he’s beginning to spend less time with Mtani and is gradually being reintroduced to members of his species.
Kasi has shown increasing interest in a group of young female cheetahs nearby, leading his handlers to introduce him to a female cheetah named Jenna.
According to Anna Chaney, an Animal Care Specialist at Busch Gardens, the introduction succeeded.
While it wasn’t love at first sight, Kasi was thrilled to meet Jenna, though she took some time to warm up to him.
Anna explained, “Jenna has patiently taught Kasi proper cheetah manners, and they now enjoy their time together in the habitat.”
Kasi’s journey from an orphaned cub, raised alongside a Labrador, to a confident young cheetah with a new companion has been remarkable.
The park is excited to share his story with visitors, highlighting how this unique upbringing has shaped him into a strong and social adult cheetah.
As for Mtani, she played a key role in Kasi’s upbringing, providing companionship and support as he grew. Busch Gardens is now considering the best path for her future.
Options include continuing her work as an animal ambassador at the park, spending time with Kasi when he’s not with Jenna, or potentially going home with one of her trainers to live the life of a typical dog.
While their relationship has changed, park visitors will remember the joy of watching Kasi and Mtani run and play together.
The duo even traveled to schools and community events to raise awareness about the importance of wild cheetah conservation, showcasing Busch Gardens’ dedication to preserving endangered species.
Conservation efforts remain vital, with only about 12,400 cheetahs left in the wild. The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has donated nearly $100,000 to support cheetah conservation in Africa since 2005, helping to protect this vulnerable species for future generations.
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