Cheetahs, the world’s fastest animal on land, will speed into Arkansas on July 7 and land in their new home, the Laura P. Nichols Cheetah Outpost at the Little Rock Zoo. The addition is an exciting one for local residents, as the zoo does not currently house any of the spotted felines at the facilities. The expansion is so important, in fact, that the Laura P. Nichols Foundation largely paid for a new exhibit that cost nearly $800,000 to produce. The foundation, which also funded the highly-popular penguin exhibit, became involved with bringing the species to the state after executive director Mike Nichols saw wild cheetahs run in Africa.

“He came back and was very taken with their beauty, grace and agility, and their incredible ability to run,” says Susan Altrui, the director of development and marketing for the Little Rock Zoo. “It sparked the idea that all Arkansans should see the animal here in our home.”

The Cheetahs

The zoo is working to expand and begin a successful cheetah breeding program, but they’ll start out with a mom and daughter duo from the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia. Zazi is the 11-year-old mama, and brings her 18-month-old daughter Maggie along.

Cheetahs can run up to 70 mph, but Altrui says the chances of seeing them take a cat nap are more likely—the cats can sleep up to 22 hours a day! Their keepers at the Smithsonian also say that the two enjoy playing with large doggy chew toys and chasing around durable balls.

The Habitat

The cats will live where the zebras used to roam, in an expanded, linear exhibit—perfect for a quick run. The zoo has extended the observational deck on the west side of the habitat (near the Dik-dik antelope exhibit), so that visitors can venture out for a closer view of the animals. And you’ll find another view on a renovated observation deck that extends over the east side of the exhibit. Whether lounging, running or playing, the cats will be comfortable in an area that mimics their natural habitat—the grasslands of Africa.

The Exhibit

“Bringing cheetahs to Arkansas also fits in line with the Little Rock Zoo’s goals for conservation,” Altrui explains. “We’re educating the public about how endangered the animals are, and raising awareness about the Cheetah Conservation Fund.”

Located in the former African Pole Barn exhibit, the Laura P. Nichols Cheetah Outpost will feature educational information on the Cheetah Conservation Fund, the non-profit organization credited with saving cheetahs in the wild. Expect full-color graphics and interactive displays that both entertain and teach about the endangerment of the species. Curious kids can also peer at small animals native to the African continent, including naked mole rats, a variety of fish and reptiles.

Laura P. Nichols Cheetah Outpost Grand Opening
Date: Saturday, July 7 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Little Rock Zoo
Cost: Regular zoo admission: $10, seniors ages 60 and older and children under 13 $8, children under 12 months free
Info: LittleRockZoo.com or 666-2406

Arkansans will meet Zazi and Maggie for the first time at the July 7 grand opening of the exhibit. In addition to laying eyes on the majestic creatures, families can also listen in on special keeper chats. Then, step into the Cheetah Outpost and learn all about the conservation efforts of the Cheetah Conservation Fund. The organization’s Assistant Director for Animal Health and Research and Research Geneticist, Anne Schmidt-Kuntzel, will speak with visitors about their work saving wild cheetahs in Namibia and other parts of Africa.