Cheetah Run is home to 13 of the agile cats who inspired the entire Cheetah Hunt attraction.
The new habitat called Cheetah Run is reminiscent of the ruins of an ancient temple, and features more than 11,000 square feet of grassland, natural rock formations, shaded alcoves, a waterfall and a 220-foot path for the cheetahs to do what they do best – run.
Several times each day, Busch Gardens’ animal care experts will conduct sprints with the cheetahs, using a motorized lure system to stimulate the cats’ natural instinct to chase. Glass-panel viewing windows allow guests to get closer than ever before to these highly endangered animals.
Video panels and interactive touch-screen stations will help educate visitors of the plight of cheetahs in the wild and why their numbers have dwindled to between 10,000 and 12,500 worldwide. Guests will also learn about Busch Gardens’ partnership with the Cheetah Conservation Fund in South Africa and how the CCF’s efforts have helped build defense for cheetah populations, both in their native lands and around the globe.
Busch Gardens has been a long-time supporter of cheetah conservation and research through the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, a non-profit, private charitable foundation committed to supporting wildlife and habitat conservation, research, education and animal rescue programs worldwide
Together, Cheetah Hunt and Cheetah Run further cement Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s reputation as Florida’s thrill-ride leader and as one of North America’s premier zoological institutions.
