Last year, the Richmond Zoo was blessed by the birth of six – SIX – cheetah cubs. We have all been obsessed with our first view of them, seeing them grown and become individuals, seeing them let loose into their own wild area so we, the public, could see them in all their beauty, grace, and speed.
Last January, after a snow, and during one of their public showings, the cubs were allowed out to play in the snow. Their mom kept careful watch over them. Even though just a couple of months old, they already show their ground eating speed run, their curiosity about the world around them, and again, their incredible beauty.
I hope you all enjoy this brief and rare video of the cheetahs, especially, cheetahs in the snow. Winter’s coming but already, they know about snow and will have few surprises this year.
kanzen sakura 
Oct 26, 2014 @ 19:45:36
SUPERB, Kanzen ! – your zoo is to be commended on all fronts !!! (They must’ve positioned that camera in the snow REALLY well: I would’ve expected the curious little ( ? ) creatures to knock it over.)
Oct 27, 2014 @ 19:06:52
And before I forget, you wanted birthdays….11/16
Oct 27, 2014 @ 20:08:14
I had it. For once it wasn’t me who forgot ! 😀
Oct 27, 2014 @ 21:15:27
I’m getting old, mate!
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tab®|PRO
Oct 26, 2014 @ 19:59:47
We are very proud of the cheetahs. No government official visitor, rock star,, Holloywood type has gotten the attention these guys have. 3 females, 2 males. the cameras were positioned in their play area, very deeply put into the soil and activiated via remote control to keep human contact to a minimum. They are gorgeous creatures to watch loping around in their huge natural area. One female and 1 male did succumb to a respiratory bacteria during the late spring so human contact is even less than it was. They were being weighed, etc. to keep track of their health but it was determined to let them be more as they would be in the wild. visitors around the area are minimum and mainly you view them via “cheetah cam”. As cubs, I think they were the cutest fuzziest furballs I’ve ever seen. Now they are lengthing out and getting all sinewy as they move closer to adulthood. The inside their den cam has been disabled but the public wild area cam can still be viewed on a limited schedule. but watching them in the snow was an amazing thing. After the filming, they were herded back to their den area while the cameras were removed. I love that they came right up to the camera they way they did.
Oct 26, 2014 @ 22:08:24
So cute!
Oct 26, 2014 @ 22:13:35
They are but in a couple of months, I surely would not have to try to run and escape one!
Oct 26, 2014 @ 22:25:39
Now that’s something the wouldn’t have to contend with in their native haunts, and yet, they seem totally unfazed! Playful kittens, and so cute. Thanks Kanzen!
Oct 26, 2014 @ 22:46:21
I did some research and asked some questions at one of the cheetah questions and answer sessions. The ones that live in the harsh desert areas of Iran do have to deal with snow at times. These are of that stock rather than the African. I was just amazed, not even realizing they are in different areas of the world. And that jaguars have share spots while the cheetahs have round! Creatures are unfailingly interesting.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tab®|PRO
Oct 27, 2014 @ 00:54:19
If they’re of the Asiatic / Persian cheetah subspecies then the fact that there’s now 6 more of them is even more good news, they’re very close to extinction in the wild.
Oct 27, 2014 @ 07:34:53
The cubs are too much – positively adorable! Very curious, aren’t they!
Oct 27, 2014 @ 07:48:07
These guys and gals look cuddly as poody cats but I wouldn’t try to hug one. Playful like the young will be. Love their lovely fur. Look soft as fluffy as a kitten’s. 🙂
Oct 27, 2014 @ 12:47:58
Great video! I love when the babies came right up to the camera – too cute!
Oct 27, 2014 @ 13:31:52
Aren’t they wonderful! the cameras were set before th cheetahs came out and operated b remote. I think they may have done some smell spread to get them curious in and to go to that area. I love watching the babies run and seeing how, even that young, they have that lope the adults have.
Oct 28, 2014 @ 19:09:18
It was fun watching them!!
Oct 27, 2014 @ 13:23:15
Kanzen, you have set the tone for this upcoming winterfest. At the end of your film, there were more available – of their birth, of the Mom bonding… seems to me they sense our cameras, or our eyes on them through the camera. Makes me appreciate my Greyhound, 2nd only to the Cheetah in speed!
Oct 27, 2014 @ 13:29:07
Actually Huntie, recently cheetah and greyhound put neck and neck – greyhound won. the way they put those massive forelegs so far back and then propel the rest of their body forward is more efficient and eats up the ground like a hungry hungry bushhog…..Ella reigns supreme! their method is similar but the greyhound’s muscular forelegs move them faster. I am so glad you enjoyed our cheetahs. Richmond is so proud of them. they are of the Iranian/Asian stock so a family of them is rare and needed to help fill the ranks of this almost extinct beauty.
Sent from Windows Mail
Oct 28, 2014 @ 22:16:05
I shall whisper the news of this in Ella’s ears – she is quite the Champion in her own right re competitive races and I am sure this will bring forth the famous greyhound grin!
Oct 28, 2014 @ 22:26:10
I say, shout it from the rooftop! Let Ella grin and bark and dance….She is a champion and deserves a huge event. Give her some rubs and hugs and kisses. and don’t forget to scratch Elby, that cat! behind his ears so he doesn’t get jealous.
Sent from Windows Mail
Oct 28, 2014 @ 10:47:48
Such little cuties!
Oct 28, 2014 @ 11:02:22
I’m sure Zoey would have them all whipped into shape in no time. they are more adult now and are magnificent.
Sent from Windows Mail
Nov 01, 2014 @ 15:15:25
Cool!
Nov 01, 2014 @ 17:02:27
In all kinds of ways! We are very proud of our cheetahs!
Nov 01, 2014 @ 17:30:52
And you should be. 😀