Baby Cheetah Adopted by World's Fastest Man
When I first visited Jamaica many years ago, I found myself falling in love with this magnificent country. But it was not only the view of emerald green mountains peering over the lush trees, and the sound of the crystal clear blue-green ocean crashing against the white beaches and the delightful music that captured me, it was the heart of the people who were so hospitable and gracious. I yearn to return for another visit in the near future.
So the other day, while perusing the news online, I ran across a story that I had to share with our readers. It is about the world's fastest man . . . Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt . . . and the work he is undertaking to promote and boost Kenyan conservation efforts for their endangered wildlife. These fabulous animals are at serious risk for extinction due to climate change, habitats threatened through human encroachment, and trophy hunting.
Bolt, who is presently the world's record holder in the 100 and 200 meter races has adopted Lightning Bolt, a three month-old cheetah. He paid $13,700 for the formal adoption and will be contributing $3,000 annually to help pay for the cat's care at an animal orphanage in Nairobi. The Kenyan Wildlife Service (KWS) is the recipient of these funds. Three cubs, who were abandoned by their mother in a game park, were rescued by the KWS. Lightning Bolt is one of these lucky babies.
Bolt, on a four-day visit to Kenya was eager to see the various species of Kenya's wildlife, but admitted he was scared of the lions. While he was initially uncomfortable to pet an adult cheetah named Sharon for a photo shoot with Raila Odinga, the Kenyan Prime Minister, but after he saw that she seemed rather harmless when a stand in petted her, he relaxed. He seemed quite at home when handling his cheetah cub. Lightning Bolt is presently the size of a mature domestic house cat. He seemed delighted to bottle-feed the cub while the cameramen photographed them. When asked if he was still afraid of the cheetahs, he replied, "Yes, I was, but not anymore.".
Julius Kipng'etich, the head of the KWS, described Bolt's meeting with the cheetahs as "the first time in history where the fastest animal and the fastest man will meet." Cheetahs are incredibly swift animals, and very accomplished predators. They can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour.
And while this baby cub is adorable and friendly, Cheetahs are, and should remain wild animals. It breaks my heart how some people even consider that these majestic felines are suitable to become house pets. In my opinion, no matter how tame they may appear, these cats must continue to live in their home environment whenever possible. I so admire the work that the KWS is doing to protect and maintain these beautiful animals. It is crucial to the survival of this species.
Check out the video uploaded to You Tube by the Associated Press for a charming minute of Cheetah delight.
Don't you agree that if adding a "touch of the wild" to our home is our heart's desire, we can more appropriately adopt a beautifully spotted domestic cat in need a forever loving family?
Leave a comment and share your opinions.
Recent Posts
Celebrating St. Patrick's Day with your Pets
WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPIONS: Monroe and Buckeye
Introducing Caplin: The World's Largest Rodent
Loyal Canine Rescues Drowning Kitty
Shakti: The Cat that Lived Up to her Name
"You're Fat": Vet Hits Me With Hard Truth
The Cat who Owns an R.V.: Luxurious Travel
Lazy Dog Owner Arrested for Walking His Dog
Petside: Get Started
-
- 2010 NCAA Mascot Tournament
Vote for your favorite pet mascots to determine the ultimate NCAA mascot champion!
-
- Find a Breed
Browse dog and cat breeds to find your perfect pal.
-
- Diagnose a Condition
Use PetVet to research what's ailing your pet.
-
- Locate a Hospital
- Find the nearest accredited animal hospital.
Specials
Check out these deals picked by petside.com just for you!
Comments (4)
Peggy Carpenter November 4, 2009 12:45 PM
It is really wonderful to see so many people in the video "coming together" with excitement over the rescue of this baby cheetah....I really hate even seeing wild animals in zoos. An animal park sounds a lot better!
Vicki November 4, 2009 1:04 PM
How nice it is to see people coming together to support this rescue. I wish more poeple would come together for such a good cause.
jmuhj November 4, 2009 2:08 PM
Beautiful man -- beautiful cat. May both be blessed!
zeeba November 6, 2009 2:03 PM
ha ha ha ha, very funny, bet he was realy scared to touch the adult cheetah. anyway these animals need to be protected from the treachery of humans........
add your comment