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Go Backpacking > Destinations > Africa > South Africa > Petting The Cheetahs

Petting The Cheetahs

November 9, 2008 By Dave

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Petting the male cheetah

The thrilling Thai Tiger Kingdom experience fresh in my mind, I splurged on time with both the cheetah cubs and adults. They were much smaller than the adolescent tigers. In the adult's cage, I was struck by how slender a profile they present from above. Tall and narrow, they are built for speed, a feline counterpart to greyhounds.

Time for a stretch

Due to their flexible spines, they have the unique ability to keep their head propped up and alert while laying down. One of the handlers said they can even sleep in this position. The thickness of the black hairs making up the spots varies from the golden hairs which assists with heat distribution.

Soooo cute

Unlike the tigers, I could feel the cheetahs purring when I petted them. I was slightly unnerved by the male, and soon switched to the smaller female. Neither cat could be bothered to sit up for me as they did with a few of the other tourists.

3-month old cheetah cub

The three month old cubs were a bundle of energy, running around the enclosure chasing after each other. My time with them was rushed as a queue had formed.

A cub sits still for a moment

Back at Backpacker's Paradise, I celebrated the ostrich once more, this time with Carla, a German-American, and an older (50's or 60's) Swedish couple who generously shared their wine with us. Afterwards, Carla and I shot some pool, a common offering in the bar area of the hostels.

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Filed Under: South Africa

About Dave

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 65 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Originally from New York, Dave now calls Austin, TX home. Find him on Instagram and Twitter.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. South African says

    November 9, 2008 at 4:15 pm

    Dave, nice pics – where did you go to see the Cheetahs?

    • Dave says

      November 10, 2008 at 12:57 pm

      I saw them in Outdshorn…..in the Western Cape but there are several parks in the country, including on close to Johannesburg I believe.

    • Dave says

      November 10, 2008 at 12:57 pm

      I saw them in Outdshorn…..in the Western Cape but there are several parks in the country, including on close to Johannesburg I believe.

  2. South African says

    November 9, 2008 at 11:15 am

    Dave, nice pics – where did you go to see the Cheetahs?

    • Dave says

      November 10, 2008 at 7:57 am

      I saw them in Outdshorn…..in the Western Cape but there are several parks in the country, including on close to Johannesburg I believe.

  3. amanda says

    November 9, 2008 at 4:11 pm

    SO cute !! I’m jealous.

  4. amanda says

    November 9, 2008 at 9:11 pm

    SO cute !! I’m jealous.

  5. Kango Suz says

    November 10, 2008 at 11:49 am

    The babies are SO CUTE!!! but then, that’s the nature of baby animals the world around, isn’t it? What an awesome experience- you always find the most interesting things to do when you’re in a new place. That’s what keeps me reading!

  6. South African says

    November 10, 2008 at 6:01 pm

    You’ve chronicled your trip to SA very well. I run a travel website at http://www.southafrica.to, and I want to highlight your blog postings once you’ve finished, so that our readers can reference them. Please let me know when you finish the SA series (you can get hold me at [email protected]

    Rgds,
    Karen

    • Dave says

      November 17, 2008 at 7:17 am

      I’ll do my best to remember! Thanks :)

  7. South African says

    November 10, 2008 at 1:01 pm

    You’ve chronicled your trip to SA very well. I run a travel website at http://www.southafrica.to, and I want to highlight your blog postings once you’ve finished, so that our readers can reference them. Please let me know when you finish the SA series (you can get hold me at [email protected]

    Rgds,
    Karen

    • Dave says

      November 17, 2008 at 2:17 am

      I’ll do my best to remember! Thanks :)

  8. Kango Suz says

    November 10, 2008 at 4:49 pm

    The babies are SO CUTE!!! but then, that’s the nature of baby animals the world around, isn’t it? What an awesome experience- you always find the most interesting things to do when you’re in a new place. That’s what keeps me reading!

  9. Pokin says

    November 14, 2008 at 8:30 pm

    Oh wow! How cool is this! One of my all time favourite experiences was watching a trio of cheetah brothers in a chase. But up close and personal like this can’t be beat. They are such beautiful creatures. Was this a rescue centre?

  10. Pokin says

    November 14, 2008 at 3:30 pm

    Oh wow! How cool is this! One of my all time favourite experiences was watching a trio of cheetah brothers in a chase. But up close and personal like this can’t be beat. They are such beautiful creatures. Was this a rescue centre?

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