For Addison and her offspring, cheetah family life consists of cuddling, grooming, playing, and growing. Each cub exhibits a personality all his or her own!
Cute Marks the Spot
Melodi acknowledges that with all the spots and similar body types, the cubs resemble each other, and guests may have trouble telling them apart. But even from a bit of a distance, she adds, keepers can identify them by their faces, tails, and markings. “Their behavior and habits also tell us a lot about ‘who’s who.’” The almost 8-month-old cubs pack a lot of personality into an approximately 50-pound package. Wgasa, Melodi explains, is the cub most likely to be playing with Mom, and he has the least amount of white on the end of his tail. “His brother, Refu, is both the most bold and the most mellow. And he has a small white patch on his shoulder.” Pumzika is paws-down the most independent cub and the most likely to be climbing on things. “She’s also the darkest cub right now,” Melodi adds. “She looks the most like the cubs’ father, Quando, who lives at the breeding center.” In contrast—literally—is Mahala, who sticks close to Mom and has a lighter coat. “She also has a round little face,” Melodi says.
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At this age, Melodi notes, the cubs are all about fun. Chasing each other, pouncing on Mom, climbing—every day is an adventure. The youngsters are also paying more attention to their neighbors as time goes on. “They all seem to be intrigued by the animals out in the East Africa field exhibit,” Melodi says. “They pay special attention when a gazelle or rhino runs by. It’s good for them to be exposed to many different stimuli at this young age. And they seem to enjoy it.” Along with a lot of playing, the cubs have done a considerable amount of growing—and still have a way to go! While they weighed 1 to 2 pounds at birth, it’s expected the cubs will reach 84 to 143 pounds, the average for an adult cheetah. As they mature, the cats will take on the cheetah’s long, lanky appearance. Measuring two to three feet at the shoulder, an adult cheetah can reach over four feet in length, plus another two and a half feet of tail!
Spot Check The unique physique of the cheetah Acinonyx jubatus jubatus serves the cubs’ wild brethren well in the grasslands and open plains in parts