You might think that the fastest animal on the planet, a fierce predator with lightning speed, wouldn’t be the shy type. But guess what? Cheetahs, despite their reputation as top hunters, are actually surprisingly sensitive! Sometimes, these speedy cats get so stressed out that they can’t even socialize or, believe it or not, procreate. So, what’s the solution to this unexpected dilemma? A furry friend!
Zoo keepers have been closely watching the behavior of cheetahs and have discovered something pretty amazing: these cats need some emotional support. And who better to help than… a dog? That’s right—cheetahs are now getting their very own emotional support dogs. It might sound strange, but it works!
Jack Grisham, the vice president of animal collections at the St. Louis Zoo, calls it a “love story.” It’s two species, helping each other out in the most heartwarming way.
According to Janet Rose-Hinostroza, an animal training supervisor at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, having a confident dog around helps cheetahs, especially when it comes to breeding. Cheetahs are naturally shy, and a strong, calm dog can help them feel more secure. The cheetah cubs start looking to their canine companions for cues, learning to model their behavior. It’s all about those happy, calm vibes the dog gives off—helping the cheetahs feel more confident and, yes, even more likely to… well, get it on!
Who knew that a dog could play such a vital role in helping one of nature’s most majestic creatures thrive? Could this be the cutest team-up ever? Share this with your friends, and let us know what you think about cheetah emotional support dogs!
