Walk With a Cheetah

We went out with an Israeli couple to walk Shaka and Tandi, his sister.  When we approached their gate, I saw such expectant faces.  I said, "They want to go on a walk!"  As soon as they heard the word "walk" they ran at a dead run towards us.  We did not know how to react with two cheetahs coming so strong!  :)

Walking with Shaka the cheetah was a huge highlight and favorite of this trip.  Here is how it is done: He walks me! 

He wears a harness that the guide uses to control him, if needed. Attached is a double leash so up to two people can "walk" him, but we usually took turns.  I held the end of the leashes draped over my hand, but not held with a closed fist.  When he walks, I walk with him, but behind his head.  When he stops, I stop.  If he runs (and he did!), I allow the leash to leave my hand, and I run after him until he decides to stop (a great work-out!).  :-)  When he is not allowed to follow his nose to nearby monkey land, he flops down to display his disgust.  Eventually he continues on to walk, sniff (which he loved), and run.  Exhilarating!

Shaka loved being stroked.  You do not touch their face or near their mouth (quite sensible), but scratches and rubs on the head and strokes down the back are thoroughly enjoyed by him.  Sandy and Kate, I thought of you with every stroke and soaked up the amazing experience for you as best as I could.  Unfortunately, all of the pics Cxx took of me with him are lost with the phone.  I was busy taking mostly videos.  It seems I cannot post the videos here right now.  Will post the best of what I have.  Enjoy!

By the way, we walked by a blesbuck and some llamas, and boy - they were completely scared of them.  We were shocked!  It is their height that frightens them.  They approached to intimidate the cheetahs, and the cats could hardly get by.  Too funny!

Their treat at the end of the walj is raw chicken with the bones broken.  Both of them leaped the fence to get their reward.  :)