Bakka is a male South African cheetah and Miley is his female husky-mix domestic dog companion. This unique pair lives at Backstage Pass at the San Diego Zoo. Bakka is only a year old but has many adventures under his collar already. He began life in South Africa, where he was hand raised for the purpose of becoming an animal ambassador in the name of conservation. At six months of age, he flew to America, where he lived on a ranch in Northern California. His incredibly friendly demeanor made him a great candidate for employment at our Zoo, and after a successful interview, he became a member of our animals stars at the Zoo’s Backstage Pass program. But in order to keep him company, we needed to find him a suitable roommate. Why not a dog? Seriously, why not?
Most dogs are brave, smart, and, more importantly, very friendly with people. But not just any dog would do. We needed one with personality, composure, and pizzazz. A simple test was given to auditioners: walk them by barking dogs and watch to see how they react. If they ignore the commotion with grace and style, they pass. If they engage in it, then they probably aren’t what we were looking for. Miley scored a “10” in all categories.
Now I’m sure you are wondering: How were we going to introduce a one-year-old exotic male cheetah to a 2-year-old female domestic dog? Won’t he look at her as if she’s his next meal? We are trained professionals, so don’t try this at home! The San Diego Zoo has always paired dogs with cheetahs (see The Cheetah and the Golden Retriever). In the beginning, we kept these animals in enclosures that were next to each other, and we allowed contact between the two while they were with one of their trainers, leashes and collars in tow. We encouraged relaxed, calm behavior. We gradually moved to allowing the dog off leash and encouraged relaxed, calm behavior.
You are now probably wondering who will be the leader in this odd coupling? If you chose the dog, you are absolutely right. So when Miley took the lead, in fact took the leash that was attached to Bakka the cheetah in her mouth and began walking him around the pen, we all applauded and laughed. Miley certainly had pizzazz! Today, if you happen to peek over the hedge at Backstage Pass or even better, purchase a ticket to enjoy this 1½-hour animal encounter, you will see Miley and Bakka working and walking together. Job well done, you two!
Maureen O. Duryee is a senior animal trainer at the San Diego Zoo. Read about another animal member of the Backstage Pass team, Sicilian Donkey Sophia.
Hope to make it there. I seem to remember a similar pairing a few years back, about a lion cub who also had a dog as a friend. But the cub passed. In any case he is not forgotten, but I cannot find information on him at this time. I think it’s a wonderful idea ! More times then not, the unlikeliest pairings, end up being the best of friends. =) Than you Maureen for sharing the story on Miley and Bakka. I hope to hear more about them in the future !
Moderator’s note: You’re remembering little Koza and his dog pal, Cairo. I haven’t forgotten him either! Here’s a blog about their pairing.
Great story! How wonderful for both animals to have a companion.
nice story..wish I was there..is there an age where you can’t put them two together? ???
Miley’s a lovely dog. I have noticed that all the ambassador Cheetahs have a doggy friend. Is there a reason for this? Does it help keep the Cheetahs calm?
Moderator’s note: That’s a big part of it. You may like to read a profile on another cheetah/dog pairing for a more thorough explanation.
Thank you Moderator ! Yes, Koza is who I was remembering !
Aren’t dogs wonderful? What a wonderful story about a new friendship.
Thank you Moderator, the articles were very interesting. Now I know, when my daughter and myself were lucky enough to have Kubali and Bear to ourselves behind the Wegeforth Bowl and (absolute heaven), to stroke a Cheetah, why Bear The Dog was presiding over the proceedings!
Thank you for a wonderful story about two very lucky animal pals. Thanks for remembering Koza and Cairo as well. Has anyone heard more about Cairo is in his new home? I presume that Miley was a rescue dog, or at least hope that is the case. It is always heartwarming to hear how dogs that come from such backgrounds make incredible companions for wild animals and bring out the best in them. How long do you anticipate the companion stage for these two? At some point will you attempt to introduce Bakka to other Cheetahs for potential breeding in the future, or does his domesticated background make that an impossible option? In such a case, I guess that the two pals will be paired together for a long time.
I appreciate you sharing these stories with us too, because it helps keep things in perspective. It makes one realize that there are many options available for wild animals that have been domesticated. They can have long rewarding lives and contribute to human education in the process.
Moderator’s note: The last time I heard, Cairo was quite happy in her new home.
What a great story. Dogs are truely the best pals all around for humans and animals a like. About the backstage pass when, what time, and the price? That soundes like great fun I feed the giraffes on my first visit to SDZ I loved it. The SDZ is doing a great job keep it up.
Moderator’s note: Backstage Pass is offered daily. Here’s more info.
What a great story! Thanks for sharing!
Bakka is not a domestic animal: he is still very much his wild self and could make a living in Africa. He enjoys our company and Miley’s, too, and interacts with us in a calm manner. We call it socializing.
Bakka is able to breed and could be used for that purpose when needed, but right now his bloodline has been very well represented in the general population so he is not needed at the moment. However, if needed in the future, he will be ready, willing, and able.
Miley was a rescue dog; apparently she had too much energy for the family that she used to live with. Lucky for her and lucky for us, and Bakka, too, that she does. Her job is an exciting one that takes some energy to do. These two will spend the rest of their lives together, best friends forever.
What a sweet story and it brought back memories and tears of sweet Koza whom we will never forget. I am glad that cairo is happy in her new home.I also read the profile of the other pairings and now I am more excited to see them at the zoo when I visit in Nov.
Maureen, thanks for adding that these two are paired for life. It is another great example of a win-win solution for everyone, especially these very special animals.
Hi, Zookeeper, If Bekka used to live in the glass cage in elephant odeysee, we have been wondering where is Bekka? My son used to play with him over the glass…they chased each other and we missed the fun watching this playerful cheetah.
Moderator’s note: Bakka was not on exhibit prior to joining the Zoo’s Backstage Pass program. Our Elephant Odyssey exhibit is home to lions and a jaguar.
I wish the story had contained more details about how hand-raising a wild animal just so it can be sent to a zoo promotes conservation.
Oh I can’t wait until my next visit to San Diego so I can meet these two!
I wish I could see Bakka and Miley in action. They sound like a wonderful pair, albeit an unlikely one. Thank you for sharing their story.
We can all get along as these two beautiful animals have shown. I can hardly wait to visit and bring my cameras.
Nice story!
it was so funny how when i went there they looked so comfortable together. I never saw anythting like it!!!
When I visited the San Diego Zoo and did the Backstage Pass thing, I got to see one of the cheetahs and her doggy companion, Duke. Duke was a huuuge Anatolian Shepherd. He seemed to like me quite a lot. LOL
I tried to find the story of The Cheetah and the Golden Retriever and can’t find it.
Moderator’s note: Was it a blog post, or was it somewhere else on our website?
At Wildlife Safari (Winston, Oregon), known for its premier cheetah breeding program, they also have a cheetah-dog friendship as well.
It’s not surprising that the female (dog) is in charge! Cats are more matriarchal when it comes to hierarchy, so Bakka did the smart thing and let her be in charge! Less stress for him! And for the dog… She has a job! and dogs love having something to DO!
So, win-win all around!
A friend of mine volunteers at Bakka’s old home in Northern California and loves working with the big cats…
I just loved this when I got a fleeting glimpse of the pals on a recent visit!! Unfortunately by the time I got back, they were out for a walk and I didn’t get to see them up close. Great work, please keep it up.
Don’t cheetah’s live a lot longer than most dogs? What happens when one of the companions dies? It must be very difficult.
Moderator’s note: Their lifespans are about the same.
I think this is terrific. As a dog lover I know just how amazing they can be with people and other animals. I wondering whether the couples are together 24/7 or only during the day (working hours)? Do the dogs “go home” at night and if so, where is that?
Moderator’s note: The dog and cheetah pals sleep together, too!