Acinonyx jubatus


Ready to run your fastest?
In a hurry to finish something?
Is the movie starting in 10 minutes?
Whatever your need for speed may be, channel the cheetah: the fastest land sprinter on the planet.

This “greyhound” of cats is built for rapid results.  Her lean physique, long legs, powerful heart, and strong arteries add up to some serious speed.  (Don’t we all wish we had her body!)  She can accelerate from zero to 40 mph in three strides and reach 70 mph in seconds. She’s the only cat with specialized semi-retractable claws, gripping the ground like spikes on a track.  She can maintain a high-speed chase for 400 to 600 yards before hitting the wall.  Upon reaching the finish line, she quickly hides her trophy from stronger competitors who will steal her prize.

There are approximately 10,000 cheetahs left on Earth today, placing her on the list of endangered species.  To learn more about protecting this animal athlete, visit the Cheetah Conservation Fund at www.cheetah.org.