Cheetah

Scientific Name: Acinonyx jubatus

Cheetahs are the world's fastest land animal and can reach speeds greater than 70 mph in just 3 seconds.

Sunset Zoo's resident cheetah is the male, Donald.

• Size: head-to-body length 43 to 59 inches,shoulder height 26 to 37 inches, tail length 7 to 31 inches
• Weight: 77 to 160 pounds
• Diet: Gazelles make up most of the diet; also ground-dwelling birds and small mammals, such as hares
• Habitat: Open grassy habitats, dry forest, savanna woodland, semi-desert and scrub
• Range in the Wild: Sub-Saharan Africa

Conservation Status

Listed as Vulnerable - the wild cheetah population is around 10,000; major threats include habitat loss and fragmentation.

Zoo Parent

Become a Zoo Parent of a resident cheetah today!