Three new cheetahs have made their lighting fast entrance into Werribee Open Range Zoo this summer.
Seven-year-old sisters Mara and Mapenzi have accompanied 11-year-old Sansa, joining the Zoo’s African River Trail.
It’s the first time in two decades that the Werribee Zoo has been home to three cheetahs at the same time.
Settling in after their journeys from both South Australian and New South Wales Parks, the sisters will continue to live together in the same habitat, while Sansa will enjoy her retirement with keepers.
Werribee Open Range Zoo African River Trail Keeper Lydia Whiteway spoke on the new additions, saying it will be exciting for visitors to observe each cheetahs own interesting and individual personalities.
“Mara is quite vocal and confident and has her own mind, while Mapenzi is a little more reserved and shyer compared to her sister,” Ms Whiteway said.
“They are both very sweet natured and are best friends. Their habitat is located next to the lions, so they are very curious and getting a good look at each other.”
“Cheetahs have different social groupings, and while female cheetahs are typically solitary in the wild, these two sisters have grown up together and appear to be strongly bonded and thrive living side by side. So, it’ll be really exciting to see how they interact.”
“Sansa is an old girl, but our vets and keepers are very skilled in looking after elderly Cheetahs, with our last Cheetah reaching 13 years of age. We’re excited to see Sansa live out her golden years here at Werribee.”
Capturing the hearts of locals, the fastest land mammals on the planet are the only female cheetahs people can see in Victoria.
During school holidays children under 16 will be able to visit the new cheetahs under free admission.
