Dogs are often called man's best friend, but did you know they can also be great friends with cheetahs? This surprising friendship has been nurtured at the Cincinnati Zoo since the 1980s.
Cheetahs, typically solitary animals after they reach two years of age, usually only interact with males during mating and raise their cubs until they are about 18 months old. To help replicate the sibling bond they have in the wild, the zoo started pairing cheetah cubs with puppies.
Andie Haugen, a trainer at the zoo, explains that dogs act as 'substitute siblings' for the cheetahs. This unique program started with Angel, the first cheetah ambassador, and Dominic, a Great Dane, who helped kick off this heartwarming initiative.
The cheetah cubs and their dog friends live together until they are around 2 to 3 years old. As they grow, the cheetahs begin to seek independence, much like siblings who eventually want their own space. However, they still enjoy playtime and sometimes even sleep together, as seen in their adorable interactions.
To find suitable puppies, the zoo adopts them from animal shelters, focusing on personality rather than breed. Labrador mixes are common choices, as they tend to get along well with cheetahs. This unexpected friendship showcases the magic of nature and the bonds that can form between different species.