Cheetah

Scientific Name: Acinonyx jubatus

The cheetah is a distinct and easily recognized member of the cat family. Living solitarily or in sibling groups cheetah’s hunt their prey by day, employing strong eyesight and incredible bursts of speed in 60-70 mph runs to catch antelope, hares, or birds.  Cheetahs, named for the Hindu word chita meaning spotted one, were once found throughout Africa and Asia living in both grasslands and wooded areas.  The wild population of cheetahs is declining due to habitat loss and persecution by farmers protecting their livestock, and in many areas of Asia and northern Africa it has become extinct.

The cheetah is a priority animal program at White Oak Conservation Center, and has thrived under our care in our specialized facilities, with many cheetah cubs having been born here.  Captive management of cheetahs has proven to be quite challenging due to their specific health, nutrition and social aspects, and specific management techniques have been implemented at the Center to satisfy the unique requirements of this species.  Collaborative research projects have been developed with the cheetahs at White Oak and at partner facilities, to help us learn about the biology of the species and better understand their needs in captivity.

As part of our cheetah conservation program the Conservation Center works closely with the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) based in Namibia and provides support for their work.  In a collaborative program supported by White Oak, veterinary technicians trained at White Oak work at CCF headquarters with the livestock guarding program and cheetah rescue program.  White Oak General Director John Lukas serves as a Trustee on the CCF Board of Directors, Veterinarian Scott Citino serves on the CCF Scientific Committee, and White Oak has hosted several CCF board and scientific committee meetings.  Through our efforts the large and important population of cheetahs in Namibia is being conserved.