Man’s best friend is also a pal to the bigcatsof the planet.
Nandi is one of Turtle Back’s “ambassador cheetahs,” she makes appearances at events and schools to educate people on cheetah conservation efforts. The cheetah population in the wild has declined some 90 percent in the past century, according to theCheetah Conservation Fund.
To ease her anxiety, Nandi wasraised withBowie, a Labrador retriever who enjoys playing and scrapping with the cheetah on top of providing emotional support.
Trainer Samantha Wegman told the outlet that they expose the dogs to various scenarios in order to acclimate them to their special role as the cats’ steadfast rocks.
“We do need him to be calm,” Wegman said of Bowie. “That’s his whole job with the cheetah … no matter what else is going on, if something startles [Nandi], she needs to look to him, and he needs to be calm.”
Turtle Back Zoo
On Nov. 23, the Turtle Back cheetahs — who also include Alvin, Simon and Theodore — celebrated their first birthday.
“Their first year has been full of fun new experiences, learning new things, and building strong relationships with one another and their trainers,” wrote the zoo in a lengthyposton Instagram, sharing photos of the cats’ growth.
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“He makes sure that [Nandi] always feels comfortable and confident,” wrote the zoo staff in thecaption. “Bowie is a very playful yellow Labrador retriever, who loves playing & wrestling with Nandi. He also loves learning new things, long walks (on or off the beach), & cuddling with his trainers. His silly, playful nature brings joy to everyone he meets.”
Of course, the cheetahs’ human companions are just as important as their four-legged friends. One zookeeper named Joanna wrote of her relationship with Theodore on Instagram, saying that there’s a “trust” shared between the two of them.
“Because of our relationship, Theodore trusts that I would never bring him into an unsafe or scary situation,”wroteJoanna. “Additionally, I learn about Theodore’s likes and dislikes, so I know how to show him he’s done a great job!”
She added: “Theodore loves his giant boomer ball, chew toys, learning new things, and quality time with his trainers. And I of course, love him!”
source: people.com
