An Unlikely Friendship

In my search of trying to learn more about cheetahs and the efforts to conserve them, I often come across zoo websites. Zoos are vital in conservation efforts because without them, there would be no way to learn about ways to keep the cheetah population in the wild thriving without learning from the captive animals.

Since there are inbreeding problems between cheetahs, there are few captive cheetahs. Keeping diversification strong in the wild is important to avoid birthing cheetahs with undesirable traits. Cheetahs, though solitary in adulthood, need to learn how to behave properly.Since there are aren't many captive cheetahs available, zoos needed to find a way for their cubs with no littermates to learn proper behavior.

Zookeepers in Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida, a leading power in animal conservation and education, came up with a great way to socialize one of their cheetah cubs. Kasi the cheetah was born at the Jacksonville Zoo, but he was sent to live at Busch Gardens when his mother couldn't care for him. Motherless and without siblings, it was decided that a companion was needed for the young cub.

Enter Mtani, a dog adopted from a shelter in Florida. It was a perfect solution, Kasi would get to learn how to behave like a four-legged animal and Mtani would have a home and a new best friend. The keepers were thrilled to see that the pair got along great.The two, once fully introduced and living in the same enclosure, played, groomed, and cuddled together everyday. Kasi and Mtani, with their keeper's help, became ambassadors for Busch Gardens and traveled to different schools, teaching children about their unusual friendship.

Over time, Kasi began to show interest in the female cheetahs and less interest in Mtani. The decision was made to put Kasi in with a female and move Mtani out. However, Mtani is happily living with keepers and Kasi is now learning how to interact with other cheetahs. This special time for the first two years of Kasi's life and Mtani's fresh start have proven that friendship can defy the odds.

 

Works Cited:

 Chaney, Anna. "A Day in the Life of Kasi, Part 2." Busch Gardens Tampa. Busch Gardens, n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2014.

Chaney, Anna. Kasi and Mtani. Digital image. Busch Gardens Tampa Blog. Busch Gardens, n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2014.

Chaney, Anna. "Our Baby Cheetah, Kasi: A Day in the Life, Part 1." Busch Gardens Tampa. Busch Gardens, n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2014.
 

Chaney, Anna. "What's Next for Kasi and Mtani?" Busch Gardens Tampa. Busch Gardens, n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2014.