The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of two endangered cheetahs as part of the zoo family.

The two female cheetahs, named Taj and Shani, will be in residence at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo for approximately six months.

“This is an exciting time for the zoo, as it’s the very first time we have had the opportunity to house cheetahs. Known for their speed, cheetahs are the fastest known land mammal. While they are a large cat, they don’t roar. They meow and purr more like a house cat. But they are definitely not house cats,” said Joel M. Hamilton, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Executive Director. “It is our hope that our guests will see these cheetahs and be inspired to help support their conservation and increase awareness of the world around us.”

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo was chosen by the Metro Richmond Zoo as a Zoological Association of America’s (ZAA) accredited facility to become home to these two cheetahs who are part of the ZAA Animal Management Plan (AMP). The ZAA Cheetah AMP establishes a valuable genetic and reproduction program to protect the future of this endangered species. Cheetahs now number fewer than 7,000 animals in the wild. Having these cats at the Zoo allows us the opportunity to teach our guests about these magnificent animals. The Zoo has supported the Cheetah AMP and cheetah conservation in Africa for several years.  

The cheetahs have been adjusting well to their new surroundings and can often be found enjoying the shade of the palm trees in their exhibit.

Special thanks to all the donors who participated in the Zoo’s Spring fundraiser, a portion of the funds raised allowed the zoo to arrange for the transport of these new animals.