Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
About
The cheetah is nature’s sprinter. Clocking 0-70 mph in just 3 seconds, it’s the fastest land animal on Earth. But with such short bursts of speed, it tires quickly - making each hunt a make-or-break dash for survival.
Unlike other big cats, cheetahs don’t roar. Instead, they chirp, purr, and use a sharp stutter bark - especially the males, who use it to attract females.
Cheetah facts
Threats
Cheetah numbers are plummeting due to:
- Habitat loss from agriculture and development
- Human-wildlife conflict
- Invasive diseases and weakened genetic diversity
- Hunting and illegal wildlife trade
The particular subspecies here at the zoo - Acinonyx jubatus soemmeringii - has suffered especially from fragmentation and loss of range, with estimates suggesting only 530 adult individuals remain.
We’re working globally to prevent extinction - and cheetahs are a key species in that mission. Through breeding programmes, scientific research and global partnerships, we’re helping protect this iconic cat and its fragile future.
Our partnership efforts support habitat conservation and human-wildlife coexistence strategies in Africa, while our work here provides a secure backup population.
Hunting and illegal wildlife trade
Human-wildlife conflict
