N.Z. wildlife park gets two new cheetahs

Purrfect additions to cheetah pack
The Press – Friday, 12 December 2008

CARYS MONTEATH

Loud purring distinguishes the latest arrivals to Orana Wildlife Park from the rest of the cheetah pack.

Cheetahs Blaine, seven, and Jonah, four, have been unveiled at the Christchurch park after being transferred from the Cango Wildlife Ranch in South Africa.

Orana’s animal collection manager Ian Adams said the cats had completed their quarantine period and were ready for their role in an international captive breeding programme.

“The new cats have distinct personalities both have loud purrs and Blaine, in particular, is a big animal.

“Blaine and Jonah introduce new bloodlines to our group … and give the cheetah queens more options,” he said.

Orana is aiming to boost its cheetah population of 11, and add to the numbers of the endangered animal worldwide.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/thepress/4789999a6009.html

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