This spring, Busch Gardens will open Cheetah Run, a new addition to the Endangered Species Safari, to inform visitors and to raise awareness about the dangers cheetahs face in the wild.
Cheetah Run will include five cheetahs that are currently living on park grounds but will not make their public debut until the habitat opens. The cheetahs include Steelman, a 12-year-old male, Ngoma, a 10-year-old female, and 1-year-old littermates Jagati, Iraja and Juno. The animals were imported in accordance with the Species Survival Plan from the White Oak Conservation Center in Jacksonville, Fla.
There are less than 10,000 remaining cheetahs due to low birth rates and natural and man-made threats to survival. Zoo educators will educate the public about the efforts of the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, which has donated almost $100,000 since 2005 to cheetah efforts in Africa. The donations have also helped fund conservation programs for white rhinos, marine animals and several other species.
The exhibit will also include a new launch coaster, Cheetah Hunt, that will mimic a cheetah chasing its prey at high speeds.
Though the cheetahs can be seen from the exhibit, guests should sign up for the Endangered Species Safari for the best views and further information. The 45-minute experience also includes close encounters with giraffes, zebra and rhinos. The cost of the safari is $39.95 per person, plus tax and does not include park admission.
For more information, or to book an Endangered Species Safari, visit the website or call 1-800-5447. For media details, contact Jill Revelle at jill.revelle@buschgardens.com or 813-987-5401.
This article appears in Jan 27 – Feb 2, 2011.