Animal Amigos

Unique among big cat species and known for its immense speed, the cheetah is an incredible animal athlete. Native to African savannahs and grasslands, the cheetah is an incredible animal athlete. As the fastest animal on land, cheetahs can accelerate to 45 miles per hour in just 2.5 seconds. Cheetahs are hunters by sight, not scent, with piercing yellow eyes set high on their head and black tear lines on their cheeks, acting as a shield from the sun. Their visible claws and long, thin, deep-chested body help them stalk their prey, camouflaged by a golden spotted coat against sun-streaked tall grass.

Like all animals at the Indianapolis Zoo, our cheetahs are ambassadors for their counterparts in the wild. Today, they are listed as a vulnerable species, with their biggest threats being habitat destruction, lack of prey and their perceived threat as livestock predators. Through the Animal Amigo program, you support the care of our cheetahs here at the Zoo and support the Indianapolis Zoo’s global conservation efforts.

WHAT YOU GET

For a donation of $50 or more, you’ll receive an Animal Amigo package which includes one Chimpanzee plush, photo, certificate, and recognition on the Animal Amigo donor board.*