The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is home to a remarkable cheetah named Kwami, one of the fastest residents at the zoo, capable of reaching speeds up to 60-70 miles per hour. Cheetahs are the largest cats that can purr, and visitors can witness this unique characteristic during the Cheetah Experience tour.
The Cheetah Experience Tour
The Cheetah Experience tour at the Columbus Zoo offers visitors a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with Kwami and learn about the fascinating world of cheetahs. The tour is offered at various times throughout the year, depending on the month:
| Time Period | Tour Schedule |
|---|---|
| January 8 – March 31 | Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 1 p.m. |
| April 1 – April 30 | Daily at 1 p.m. |
| May 1 – September 2 | Daily at 4 p.m. |
The tour costs $45 per person, and all guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. While there is no age limit for this experience, it is recommended for guests over the age of 5. Groups will be combined for a tour of up to 6 guests.
Kwami’s Remarkable Journey
Kwami has had a remarkable journey at the Columbus Zoo. In August 2019, he was unwell due to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and was hospitalized for a week. Despite these health challenges, Kwami has made significant contributions to cheetah conservation efforts. In February 2020, he acted as a surrogate mother to two cheetah cubs conceived through assisted reproductive technologies.
Safety Measures at the Columbus Zoo
The Columbus Zoo takes the safety of its animals and guests seriously. Visitors are not permitted to take photos during the Cheetah Experience tour due to the behind-the-scenes location. Service animals are also not permitted on this tour due to the disruptions they can cause in animal habitats.
Incidents involving guests and animals have resulted in consequences for the individuals involved. In one instance, a man fell into a cheetah enclosure during a cheetah presentation, and in another, a zookeeper was injured during a routine exercise session with a cheetah named Isabelle. These incidents have led to charges and bans for the individuals involved, highlighting the importance of safety measures at the zoo.
Unique Characteristics of Cheetahs
Cheetahs are the largest cats that can purr, a unique characteristic that visitors can witness during the Cheetah Experience tour. Kwami, the Columbus Zoo’s resident cheetah, is capable of reaching impressive speeds of up to 60-70 miles per hour, making him one of the fastest residents at the zoo.
Conservation Efforts at the Columbus Zoo
The Columbus Zoo is committed to cheetah conservation efforts, and Kwami has played a significant role in these efforts. In February 2020, Kwami acted as a surrogate mother to two cheetah cubs conceived through assisted reproductive technologies, contributing to the preservation of this endangered species.
Conclusion
The Columbus Zoo’s Kwami Cheetah is a captivating and remarkable resident, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn about and experience the world of cheetahs. With his impressive speed, ability to purr, and contributions to conservation efforts, Kwami is a true ambassador for his species and a must-see attraction at the Columbus Zoo.
References:
– Twitter post about Kwami
– YouTube video about Kwami
– Article about zookeeper injury
– Columbus Zoo Cheetah Experience tour information
– Article about man falling into cheetah enclosure