We get this question a lot when we are out working with the cheetahs. Maybe you’ve wondered it yourself when you’ve seen the cheetahs out for a walk or the keepers in their yard doing a training session. So, are they tame?
No, they’re not. The cheetahs are trained to be very well-behaved in very specific circumstances. This training started when they were just a few days old and has continued every day since. A small number of the zoo’s staff works closely with them and we have desensitized them to all sorts of distractions and there are many procedures in place to make sure both our guests and animals are always safe.
If strange people were to come into the exhibit or try to pet them, they would likely act like most wild cats and make a quick exit or even try to bite. Even our staff has to watch them closely and does not play with them like you would a dog or cat at home. If you let them run around your house, your furniture would be shredded (and they have no idea what a litter box is for).
If we are doing our jobs right we make it look easy, but don’t be fooled, these are not domestic cats. Check out the Houston Zoo’s web page for more details on why wild animals don’t make good pets and if you are looking for a new best friend, try the HSPCA where there are lots of great animals looking for homes.
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