Hi guys,
What do we know about cheetahs?
Many of you probably know that cheetahs are predators of the family Felidae,
native to most countries of Africa and the Middle East. They are also the fastest of
all land mammals - they can accelerate to 110 km/h in just 3 seconds. Looking at cheetahs,
you understand clearly - nature created these animals to be skillful and fast predators.
But this is just some general information from Wikipedia,
meanwhile, an American zoo has recently shown the true nature of these graceful huge cats.
These videos and photographs were initially shocking to many viewers,
but after learning the story behind them, the surprised people watched them with fascination.
Caretakers in one of the US zoos have recently brought small puppies to the cheetah’s enclosure
and left them there to live! Looking at it, one could expect the worst – defenseless
little pups facing the monstrous predators… But things aren’t always as they seem.
In fact, this was an intentional move by the zookeepers, which was supposed to relieve the
loneliness that the big cats were suffering from. It isn’t common knowledge, but cheetahs
are freedom-loving, gregarious animals. So obviously, the limited space and loneliness of
life in captivity causes them lots of stress. Moreover, these big cats often have anxiety
attacks. They rush about in their cages, acting restlessly, and they need emotional support.
That’s why puppies are brought to live with cheetahs. And it’s not just about
cohabitation - as it turns out, dogs are great at getting along with these predators.
Of course, if you bring a puppy into an adult cat’s cage,
nothing good will come out of it, as the cheetah will simply treat it as lunch.
However, a cheetah cub willingly comes in contact with a puppy, they start playing and socializing.
A nervous cub grows into a cheerful pet that trusts people, just like a dog does. Growing
up side by side, these animals become kind, and, most importantly, make friends for life.
What is more amazing, they always recognize each other even after years of separation.
This kind of story happened to Kumbali, a cheetah cub born on May 12, 2015 at the Metro Richmond
Zoo. Unlike his siblings, he was born very weak, so weak that he couldn’t even fight for food.
His siblings hurt him, and he kept losing weight and became weaker every day. This cute little
animal could have died, if it wasn’t for the concern of the zoo keepers who decided
to take decisive measures. They understood that the cub’s life was hanging by a thread,
and so they took him away from his mother to be bottle-fed. Over time, the cub gained strength
and was able to eat on its own. Later, Kumbali was returned to his family’s enclosure, but,
unfortunately, as it often happens in the animal world, the family rejected him. It was a difficult
time for Kumbali - his family wouldn’t accept him, and even though he was already physically healthy
and very active, it was clear that he was missing something. He felt abandoned and depressed,
lying down and staring into space all the time. Kumbali was obviously suffering from loneliness.
The caretakers could no longer endure this heartbreaking sight and came to his rescue again.
They decided that, since his family rejected him, he needed a companion. That’s exactly what he got,
but a little later. As a matter of fact, finding a friend for the
cheetah turned out to be a challenge. A lot had to be taken into account – age,
size and a dozen other things... And yet, they managed to find a perfect friend for Kumbali.
Kago was a rescue puppy adopted from an animal shelter. He was saved from being put
down. Even despite his young age, the poor puppy had already endured many hardships.
He had been kept in dire conditions, in a shelter where dogs had no future.
However, when animal rights activists discovered the place,
they took pets to new shelters and started looking for new loving owners for them. That’s how the zoo
employees found Kago. The playful puppy was perfect for the role of Kumbali's companion,
and he was of the same age. However, no one knew for sure if they would like each other
and make friends, or if nothing would come of it. After all, new neighbors don’t always get along.
Their first meeting was very exciting. When Kumbali and Kago saw each other,
they were quite timid. They looked at each other with apprehension and certain distrust. However,
a real miracle happened very soon... Kago slowly walked towards Kumbali,
sniffed him, and a moment later it was clear that he liked Kumbali.
He started pouncing and biting the baby cheetah, who, in turn, couldn’t understand
what was happening and why this creature was dragging his tail with its teeth.
At first, the little cheetah was baffled by the sight of this new creature in front of him, but
soon he also began to show interest in the dog. As it turned out, Kago's curiosity and friendly
nature soon did its job, thereby proving once again that dogs are the best companions to anyone.
However, the zoo employees couldn’t even imagine that the friendship between the
two different species, albeit with the same fate, would be that strong.
Nobody expected what this friendship would result in...
Over time, Kumbali simply refused to leave his new friend’s side, and they even had to
be put together in one enclosure. Their brotherly bond grew stronger and stronger with every day,
and they played together all day long, inventing new games.
Zoo visitors adored their games of hide-and-seek and tag.
This couple spent their days fooling around together, not even noticing that they were
growing up quickly. It’s also surprising that Kago always protected his wild brother,
while Kumbali, despite being a predator, let his friend eat first, patiently waiting his turn.
It seemed the two were unaware of being in the zoo. They paid no attention to people at
all and played in the fresh air for days on end. They became truly inseparable,
sleeping together and giving each other hugs all the time.
From the moment of their first encounter, these two have been doing absolutely
everything together - from sleeping to eating and playing in the fresh air.
Every year, zoo workers give them presents, because their birthdays are on the same day now.
Kago and Kumbali even open gifts together, like brothers.
In several years spent together, their relationship developed into
something much more than just friendship. Their special bond has made them friendlier
to others – they are always eager to meet new inhabitants of the zoo, and, of course, people.
Watching the happy buddies is a true pleasure,
and they’ve already become the informal face of this place.
Not so long ago, a bunch of other tough guys moved into the neighboring enclosure,
and they aren’t to be messed with! We’re talking about penguins, of course. Initially,
they all watched each other with apprehension, but when the caretakers allowed Kago and Kumbali
to visit their new neighbors, something incredible happened. In the first seconds of this encounter,
the penguins pecked at their visitors, but they soon began playing with them,
each in their own way. And it really looked very funny. But the funniest one was, probably,
their recent neighbor - a little pig, who now gets on this couple’s nerves the most.
They don’t know it yet, but this little pig chasing after them will soon become
a huge 100-kilogram animal… and then it will be even more interesting to watch them play.
It’s been a while since these two animals met, but the cheetah and the dog continue
living in the same enclosure and enjoying every new day. They do everything together,
entertaining visitors with their playful races, cute hugs and tender relationship.
Thus, this story once again proves to all of us that even different species of animals
can get along well and create incredibly strong friendships, which isn’t always true for people.
Perhaps we have something to learn from them.
So, guys, did you like this unusual couple? Do you believe in true friendship?
Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel. See you soon! Bye.