Abilene Zoo’s master plan and expansion project, A Bold Adventure, is bringing to the zoo animals both new and familiar. Among them is an animal who has never set paw here before. That animal is none other than the fastest land animal and the smallest of the big cats, the cheetah! Cheetahs will be a very important arrival both for our zoo and for their conservation as a species.
Cheetahs are the most endangered big cat in the world and are facing extinction in the wild. Cheetah populations are fragmented across Africa, and the IUCN red list categorizes them as ‘vulnerable’ with fewer than 7,000 mature cheetahs alive in the wild. Cheetahs are often hunted by local farmers, poachers, and even other big cats such as lions. Environmental factors like droughts, habitat shifting, and urban development have also affected the cheetah’s natural habitat.
The Abilene Zoo is creating a new home for cheetahs. As a part of the expansion, the cheetah habitat will span more than 17,500 square feet and contains a warm holding able to support a whole coalition of cheetahs.
Within the habitat, there also will be set up a “cheetah run”. Cheetah runs are long lines set up along a fixed path; these are used to mimic a prey animal being chased and provide important enrichment for the cheetahs. Seeing a cheetah dash at speeds of over 70 mph is a sight to behold and showcases these creatures’ incredible speed and agility.
Elevated above the cheetah habitat and stretching throughout much of the expanded Africa region, there will be an elevated boardwalk with observation decks. Below one of the decks will be a ground level set of windows with temperature-controlled air for the cheetahs, encouraging them to stay by the windows to rest.
Wheelchair accessible ramps on both ends will invite guests to walk completely around the habitat. And spaced along the walk, viewing bubbles and shaded decks will provide guests with a nearly 360-degree view of the speedy spots. Moreover, this walk will overlook and connect to several of Africa’s habitats and features, including hyenas, a two-story café, and a giraffe and multi-species yard.
Construction is already underway, and your support will help bring A Bold Adventure to life and ensure that we continue to inspire meaningful connections with wildlife for generations to come.
For 60 years, we’ve been shaped by the support of our community. Now, as the next chapter begins, we invite you to be part of it.
Follow the journey on our social media channels for construction updates as the vision becomes a reality. Members will get special sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes updates.
Strap in for the adventure at abilenezoo.org/adventure.
