For a while now we have been looking for the Mrs Right for our gorgeous boy Panthera… He loves his human family but desperately needs some like minded company! After much deliberation it was decided to try to introduce our female leopard Mischief, to Panthera to see how they would get along. Mischief is a very gentle, loving leopard who at the moment still lives with her big brother Shrek, inevitably Shrek and Mischief were going to have to be seperated before reaching sexual maturity so the decision was made to see how the introductions between Panthera and Mischief would go.
Mischief is still young enough to be playful so will make the perfect companion for the very playful Panthera!

Of course wth all introductions there are risks, lets not forget how powerful leopards are, even youngsters like like these two. To allow the two to get used to each other and to help their relationship blossom a passage between the two enclosures was built. Mischief was allowed into the passage so they could interact through the fence, thus protecting both cats from hurting each other. All the signs were promising, even before the construction of the passage both Mischief and Panthera would play, running and jumping along the fences in unison. Through the fence there was little change to their playful natures, Panthera was a bit more cautious at first, his ears flat but then the two chased, pounced and ran together up and down the fence..

After allowing the two to get to know each other over a period of time it was decided to introduce them in the passage, the staff who had raised both Panthera and Mischief were present, along with some extra hands. Although everyone was sure it would go well they didnt want to take any chances. Lizaene, Arno and Chanel were in the passage ready to seperate if deemed necessary and a hose was at the ready just in case. Mischief was let into the passage first and then Panthera’s gate opened.. He jumped through almost as if he didnt realise that the fence no longer seperated them… and boy did he get a shock! His ears did went back when he realised, both leopards were very tentative at first, there was a few little scuffles, and some nervous growling… All to be expected though… They followed each other and knocked each other to the ground a few times but all in all it went well. After 10 minutes Panthera was put back into his enclosure and Mischief went back to her brother Shrek..

Every good relationship takes time.. the staff here at Cheetah Experience spend a lot of time with and know their animals, they know whats best for them and can tell how their feeling. They will be working together on future introductions between these two beautiful leopards and hopefully soon the pair will be living harmoniously together..

If you’re alone, I’ll be your shadow. If you want to cry, I’ll be your shoulder. If you want a hug, I’ll be your pillow. If you need to be happy, I’ll be your smile. But anytime you need a friend, I’ll just be me. ~Author Unknown

Claire

When all the morning chores are done and everything has been, scrubbed swept and raked, a couple of us volunteers like to sneak in a little cat nap, especially when it’s with our actual cats.
Today I was lucky enough to have a quick nap and cuddle with the beautiful Abby and Apollo, our two cheetah cubs. They are always full of love and cuddles.
As seen in my photo with Apollo, his most comfortable position is a paw resting on my head, shoulder or face.
Cuddled in the logs and dirt we took it in turns to swat away the flies from each others faces and drifted off to dream world, I can only imagine what he was dreaming of.
We were joined later by Lani who was smart enough to supply a mattress for a more comfortable rest. When given the choice, Abby and Apollo will always choose the mattress which they love to stretch out on, so that they hog the entire mattress..
Although the cat nap was short, as there were tours to be done, its always great to appreciate the time spent with these beautiful angels. Plus its always a bonus to get a free grooming.

Laura A, Australia.