Responses to Reduced Feeding Frequency in Captive-Born Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus): Implications for Behavioural and Physiological Stress and Gastrointestinal Health
Unnatural diet composition and frequent feeding regimes may play an aetiological role in the multiple diseases prevalent in captive cheetahs. This study investigated the responses of captive-born (hand-reared) cheetahs (n = 6) to a reduced feeding frequency schedule distinguished by offering larger quantities of food less frequently. The study cheetahs were fed four once-daily meals […]
Assessing the Visitor and Animal Outcomes of a Zoo Encounter and Guided Tour Program with Ambassador Cheetahs
Development of an evidence-based welfare approach for cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) under human care
Societal concern for animals under human care has influenced our approaches to advance animal welfare in a variety of contexts. The Animal Programs Department at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium sought partnership with the Center for Human-Animal Interactions Research & Education (CHAIRE) at The Ohio State University to develop a holistic welfare approach for the […]
Multifaceted Approach to Personality Assessment in Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)
– The purpose of this study was to assess the personality of 17 South African cheetahs at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. A multifaceted approach of observer ratings (rating method), behavioral data (coding method) and hormone monitoring was used to examine individual differences. Knowledge of these individual differences, i.e., personality, is essential to better […]
A comparative approach to the study of Keeper–Animal Relationships in the zoo
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20289.abs Research on intensively farmed animals over the past 25 years has shown that human-animal interactions, by affecting the animal’s fear of humans, can markedly limit the productivity and welfare of farm animals. This article begins to explore some of the factors that need to be considered to investigate Keeper–Animal Relationships (KARs) in the […]
Reproductive life history of South African cheetahs (Acynonyx jubatus jubatus) at the San Diego Zoo Wild Animal Park, 1970–2005
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20097.abs We analyzed 35 years of data from a captive breeding program of cheetahs to determine basic reproductive life history characteristics of females. Breeding females ranged in age from 2.7–10.5 years. Sixteen females and over 13 males produced 129 cubs in 36 litters, with an average litter size of 3.6. Older females produced significantly […]
Nutrition of Captive Cheetahs: Food Composition and Blood Parameters
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430120113.abs Diet and nutrition of cheetahs was evaluated through survey, in conjunction with chemical analysis of feed and plasma samples, as part of a multidisciplinary effort to investigate underlying causes of low reproductive success in North American captive cheetah populations. Cheetahs consumed an average of 1.32 ± 0.4 kg of food daily, containing approximately […]
Bilateral carpal valgus deformity in hand-reared cheetah cubs (Acinonyx jubatus)
Abstract Four hand-reared cheetah cubs (Acinonyx jubatus) exhibited progressively severe bilateral valgus deformity of the carpi (CV) during the weaning period. Radiographs of the thoracic limbs suggested normal bone ossification, and serum chemistry was unremarkable. All affected cubs developed CV shortly after the onset of gastroenteritis, which was treated medically, and included use of a […]
The effect of different types of enrichment on the behaviour of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) in captivity
Enrichment, in the form of changes to the structure and content of enclosures, in addition to changes to husbandry practice, have been used on a range of felids resulting in increased activity levels and decreased levels of pacing behaviour. It is important to determine what types of enrichment are effective for individual species in captivity. […]
Acinonyx jubatus
species monograph