Watch Cheetahs Go From Zero to Sixty at Kansas City's Zoo

They’re fast. At more than 60 miles per hour, they’re very fast. But can they catch a “lure” that is kept just out of reach?

The Zoo’s three young cheetah girls, GiGi, Claire and Sadie, put on an impressive exhibit of speed and agility at 10:30 a.m. last Saturday, June 21.

Keepers, through a system of ropes and pulleys, have built a run in the cheetah exhibit. The system is much like those used in greyhound racing, and pulls a fabric “lure” intended to mimic the action of prey. The cheetahs attempt to catch the lure, and in doing so, receive exercise and are able to act on natural instincts.

The activity, called animal enrichment, is not only impressive to the viewing public, but a great experience for the three girls.

GiGi, Claire and Sadie are sisters who were born in 2005 at the Fossil Rim preserve in Texas. They came to the Kansas City Zoo in 2007, and have adapted well. They love the cheetah exhibit, which includes a long run area, and looks down over the hoofed animals on the Zoo’s African Plains. They remain close and constant companions. They can often be seen sleeping together, and communicate with one another using a unique bird-like chirping vocalization.

In addition to last Saturday’s exhibit, visitors will be able to view the exercise at 10:30 a.m. the second Saturday of each month through November, 2008.

For more information about the Zoo, please go to www.kansascityzoo.org; or call 816-513-5800.