Cheetahs At Turtle Back Zoo In NJ Are Thriving, Staff Say

WEST ORANGE, NJ — What do you make a cheetah for its birthday? A meat cake, of course.

Last week, staff at the zoo threw a party for their “ambassador cheetahs,” Nandi, Alvin, Simon and Theodore, who recently celebrated their first birthday. To mark the occasion, their keepers made them professional quality birthday cakes out of some of their favorite treats including ice, jello, and of course, meat.

“They came to Turtle Back Zoo when they were just a few weeks old, and we cannot believe how much they have grown,” staff wrote. “Their first year has been full of fun new experiences, learning new things, and building strong relationships with one another and their trainers.”

According to zoo staff, baby cheetahs usually only weigh around 10 ounces when they’re born. Now, the cats are tipping the scales at 55 to 75 pounds.

One of the cheetahs, Nandi, has made an adorable friendship with Bowie, a dog that has a soft spot for the cheetah. It’s a common way to boost the animals’ confidence, zoo staff said.

The Turtle Back Zoo offered some additional background about the inspiring animal friendship earlier this week:

"Nandi was the first cheetah to call Turtle Back Zoo home! She came to the zoo in February 2019 with her pal Bowie. Bowie is a Yellow Labrador and is just a few weeks younger than Nandi. By raising Nandi and Bowie together, Nandi gains the confidence of a dog. She always has Bowie to turn to in new situations. Bowie, always cool as a cucumber, ensures Nandi that there is nothing to feel nervous about. Wherever Nandi goes, Bowie comes along too so that she always feels comfortable. Nandi is our sweet, regal princess of Turtle Back Zoo. She doesn’t hesitate to let everyone know when it’s time to play and wrestle with Bowie, or when it’s time to cuddle! She absolutely loves tennis balls and ice toys that she can bat around and chase. She also has grown to love presentations during which she lays on her table (throne) and observes all the guests fawning over her."

Meanwhile, Theodore has forged a lasting relationship with his keeper, Joanna, who wrote about their bond last month on social media.

“Theodore is one of my favorite animals that I am lucky enough to work with every day. He is one of the ambassador cheetahs that call Turtle Back Zoo home! Our relationship with our animals is always important, but it is especially important in our ambassador cheetah program. Cheetahs can naturally be shy and skittish, and ambassador animals encounter new people and places all the time, so a strong animal and trainer relationship ensures a successful program. Because of our relationship, Theodore trusts that I would never bring him into an unsafe or scary situation. Additionally, I learn about Theodore's likes and dislikes, so I know how to show him he's done a great job! Theodore loves his giant boomer ball, chew toys, learning new things, and quality time with his trainers. And I of course, love him!”

The Turtle Back Zoo’s work with their cheetahs recently attracted the attention of nature show host Jack Hanna, who also serves as director emeritus of the Columbia Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio, the previous home of Alvin, Theodore and Simon.

In July, Hanna sent Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. a letter praising the work of its director, Mike Kerr, and the team at the Turtle Back.

“Animals in zoos are ambassadors to their cousins in native ranges – they help educate people about the importance of wildlife and the environment,” Hanna wrote. “After a visit to the zoo filled with immersive animal experiences, people leave with a newfound understanding and compassion for wildlife.”

Hanna added:

“Cheetahs truly need this understanding more than ever – there are only 7,000 left in Africa. Though this number seems grave, great work done by zoos, like Turtle Back, are helping to raise funds and bring awareness each and every day.”

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