America’s Zoo Scoop

Jul

Filed Under (Zoo News) by Jon Wassner

I read a story tonight which fascinated me. The Cincinnati Zoo, in partnership with South African conservation organization Cheetah Outreach is hosting a one of a kind global feline track meet in September. To raise awareness on the global plight of cheetahs, Sarah (a Cincy Zoo cheetah) and Zaza (the South African competitor) will race a 100 meter dash for continental bragging rights. Their goal is to top the 6.19 second mark set in 2001. That’s incredibly quick, considering the fastest human time is 9.69 seconds set at Beijing’s 2008 Olympics by Jamaican Usain Bolt.

Also helping to boost the event is another Sarah, Indy Car driver Sarah Fisher. Sarah’s (the spotted one) time trial will take place at the Kentucky Speedway where Sarah (the human one) holds the fastest qualifying record. I’m looking forward to hearing the outcome, and I think it’s a great way to show off the cheetah’s innate athleticism. The only problem I have is that it won’t be open to the public. It’s unfortunate because I think it could draw a lot of people, including me.

Watching a cheetah run is an incredible sight. I got the opportunity two years ago at Cincinnati’s Cheetah Encounter. I was so excited to see a cheetah run without sitting on the couch watching Animal Planet. I just had one goal – get a picture of it. After talking about cheetah conservation and behavior in an entertaining comedic skit, the stage was set for a run. The trainers warned it would be quick and they were right. Despite pressing the camera to my face in full concentration, I completely missed the action. Good thing they run twice. The second time around I was fortunate enough to get a spotted blur which under normal circumstances would be disappointing. In this case, it was plenty for me.

Cincinnati’s cheetah encounter is free with zoo admission but requires punctuality. The program is popular and no standing is allowed. Make sure to get to the arena (adjacent to the main entrance across the parking lot) 10-15 minutes early.

For an extra price the San Diego Wild Animal Park offers a more indepth and upclose experience with Cheetah Run Safari, complete with refreshments and a souvenir photo. Reservations can be made beforehand and are recommended not only due to popularity but also because the Safari begins at 9 a.m. so it’s more convenient to have your tickets arranged prior to arrival.

After my original post, I was reminded of another zoo that offers the opportunity. Every 3rd Saturday during the summer at the Kansas City Zoo, a lure is dragged across the cheetah’s long and narrow exhibit with a cat in tow. I need to thank Steven Johnson, of the Kansas City Photo Club for sending me an email reminder. I’ve also posted two of Steven’s great photos below, which beautifully show the concentration and balance cheetahs possess. Thanks Steven!

Cheetah pounce

Cheetah turn

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Jun

Zoo Interview #5 – Mike Crowther, Indianapolis Zoo

Filed Under (Interviews, Zoo Visits) by Jon Wassner

Mike Crowther, CEO of the Indianapolis Zoo is my latest interview guest. Komodo dragons dominate the zoo news in Indy, as a pair of the giant lizards are the newest residents, so we talk about the intended visitor impact. As always we delve into the personal journey to zoo head, and other happenings around Indianapolis including:

Artificial insemination with African elephants
Opening of cheetah exhibit next year
Conservation programs in which Indianapolis participates
the Indianapolis Prize….and more!

One more thing – maybe it’s because I live 15 minutes from the zoo, but Mike and I went a little longer than normal (55 minutes) with the interview. That should make up for going 2 weeks without posting an interview.