Dog and cheetah strike up unlikely friendship - and they're now inseparable
They'd sooner run away from socialisation than toward it - and with their great speed, this can easily be accomplished. Cheetahs can get so anxious about socialising with other animals that they avoid it all together, leading to issues with them securing a mate to continue their bloodline.
Although North Africa and Asia already consider them to be critically endangered animals, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species lists them as 'vulnerable'. There is estimated to be about 7,000 cheetahs left in the wild, with their historic range in Africa dropping by about 90 per cent in recent years.
However, their shyness is not the only factor linked to their drop in numbers as their loss of habitat, lack of prey, and vulnerability to hunters has increased their risk of becoming extinct. Trying to combat their anxiety around other animals, Metro Richmond Zoo, in Virginia, America, introduced their cheetah, Kumbali, to yellow Labrador retriever, Kago, who has been acting as the big cat's 'emotional support dog '.
Kumbali and Kago have grown up together (Metro Richmond Zoo)A spokeswoman said: "Kumbali and Kago don't even seem to recognise their differences in species, size, or colour. There is only acceptance.
"This unique companionship has captured the hearts of millions of people."
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The pair were introduced to each other in July 2015 when they were just two-months-old - and have been inseparable ever since.
Living harmoniously in the same enclosure, Kumbali and Kago spend their days playing and eating together, before cuddling up with one another when they get tired.
"Kumbali and Kago are doing great and can be visited here at the zoo," added the spokeswoman.
They're a popular attraction at Metro Richmond Zoo (Metro Richmond Zoo)"They continue to have a strong brotherly bond. Kago is the boss even though Kumbali is almost twice Kago's size.
"Keepers spend time with them each day and take them both on walks through the zoo."
Born in May 2015, Kumbali was the runt of his litter and was raised by the zoo keepers to improve his chances of survival.
A statement reads: "While his siblings continued to gain weight, he started losing weight.
"Concerned staff quickly discovered that his mother only had two of her eight nipples functioning for three cubs.
"We instantly fell in love with him, but Kumbali was in need of a companion."
The dog is the boss of the enclosure (Metro Richmond Zoo)Kago, also born in May 2015, was rescued from a kill shelter in Alabama after being abandoned on the streets.
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"The Art of Paws rescued him. He was brought to Virginia where we ultimately found him through a cooperating rescue organisation, Awol Mutts," the statement adds.
"We instantly fell in love with him, too. However, Kumbali’s opinion of him was more important than our own.
"After slowly introducing the two, they quickly assumed the title of friends. Now Kumbali can jump, run, lick, and play with his pal Kago.
"Considering that their diets are completely different, feeding time can present a little bit of a challenge. They are feed at the same time, but briefly separated.
"Kumbali and Kago will live out their lives together."
Metro Richmond Zoo has its own Cheetah Conservation Centre, a private, specialised area dedicated solely to the protection of cheetahs.
They have bred at least 77 cheetahs from 18 different litters since 2013 and aim to continue their work in "saving the fastest land animal on the planet".
A statement reads: "Breeding cheetahs in zoological parks is very challenging. Only a small portion of the population is breeding.
"The Metro Richmond Zoo was up for the challenge. We launched massive efforts in support of cheetah conservation. Construction began on the Cheetah Conservation Center (CCC).
A statement reads: "Breeding cheetahs in zoological parks is very challenging. Only a small portion of the population is breeding.
"The Metro Richmond Zoo was up for the challenge. We launched massive efforts in support of cheetah conservation. Construction began on the Cheetah Conservation Center (CCC).
"The Metro Richmond Zoo is proud of our tremendous success we have had with cheetah breeding."
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