Kiburi, the newest cheetah at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, is 32 days old now, and he’s getting more and more agile (see post Spotted Bundle of Fur). He uses his tail to help him balance when he cruises around on all four feet. He checks out the Park guests watching him while he’s in his exercise pen. He has a few teeth now, which he uses when he chews on his toys. His eyes are bigger and brighter, and his hearing is getting better. His ears are starting to move when he hears sounds. Another subtle change we are noticing is the hair on the top of his head and shoulders is getting longer and lighter than the rest of his body. His current weight is 994 grams, roughly 2 pounds.
Kiburi had his first taste of kitten canned food a few days ago. At first, he had a hard time figuring out what to do with it, but after he got the taste for it, he dove right in! Once he eats, he plays a little and then heads back into his sleeping den.
We look forward to new milestones every day, so stay tuned for future updates.
Sandy Craig is a keeper at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
Hi Sandy… do you still supplement with the milk? When will you start teaching his behaviors? Will he learn to open his mouth and lay down for exams? Does he ever try to use you as a chew toy since he’s teething? Sorry for all the questions… Maybe next post we can have an updated picture? Thanks so much!
Kiburi will be getting supplemental milk bottles until around the first of the year. By then, his main diet will be carnivore diet meat. Cheetahs, like most animals, are instinctually ingrained as to how to behave and act. We do, however, encourage these natural behaviors by providing enrichment and playing with him one on one. Kiburi is still young, so “everything” is enrichment for him right now. He is teething still, so he does try to chew on everything, including his keepers fingers at times, but this behavior is stopped and redirected onto inanimate objects instead. He has several plush toys that he plays with and chews on. We move his toys around so he can try to chase and pounce on them. The toys mock charge him and stalk him; this teaches him to use his own instincts to do the same. Once his teeth are fully developed he will get bones to gnaw on. Kiburi will be used to being handled by his keepers; this will allow him to remain tractable and willing to cooperate for veterinary exams.
Hi Sandy,
Is there a certain time of day he is viewable in the nursery? I can’t remember if there is a public nursery at the Park or not. I would love to be able to get a peek when he is awake. Thanks so much!
Lisa
Moderator’s note: The babies in the Park’s Animal Care Center can be viewed by guests throughout the day. Can’t promise that they will be awake.
Kiburi can be seen every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Park’s Animal Care Center. He sleeps throughout the day and is for sure awake around his feeding times. Starting today until the 27th, his feedings are approximately 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. I hope you can see him soon, he’s really fun and playful after he eats!
We just saw Kiburi being oh so cute and playful and were wondering who Kiburi’s Dad is?
Moderator’s note: Kiburi’s father is Quint.