South African Cheetah

Cheetahs are built for speed! Over short distances, they can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, which helps them catch their prey with high success. How do they do this? Their long, slim body, flexible spine, strong heart and lungs, cleat-like claws and thick tail for balance make them among the most athletic of land animals. Cheetahs rely on their keen eyesight to spot prey far across the African grasslands and start their chase.

Female cheetahs live alone or with their cubs, while male cheetahs often live in groups of brothers and roam large territories thousands of square miles in size together. Female cheetahs have a few cubs at a time, who stay with her for over a year, practicing their hunting skills together.