Woodland Park Zoo to exhibit pair of cheetahs near the zoo’s Wildlife Survival Zone on May 3

SEATTLE, 2014-04-17 — /Travel PR News/ — New cheetah exhibit debuts May 3

WHAT: Woodland Park Zoo introduces a pair of cheetahs, the fastest land mammals in the animal kingdom, in a new, temporary exhibit near the zoo’s Wildlife Survival Zone May 3, with opening day presented by Chevron.

The two cats, Liz and Missy, are 14 years old and arrived from Wildlife Safari in Winston, Ore. in early April. Liz and Missy are post-reproductive females but have reared 15 cubs between the two of them throughout their lifetimes. The spotted felines are expected to live at Woodland Park Zoo for six to 18 months. The conservation institution is helping give Liz and Missy a temporary home while Wildlife Safari makes plans for new breeding pairs or possible offspring in its future.

Cheetahs are well adapted to arid conditions and live throughout the drier parts of sub-Saharan Africa, often traveling in small, isolated groups. Cheetahs are classified as vulnerable, however two subspecies ranging in Namibia and Iran are critically endangered. The largest wild population of cheetahs is found in Namibia, although most populations continue to decline. Lack of genetic variation, human-wildlife conflicts, high infant mortality, and a great susceptibility to disease place the species at a further risk of extinction.

Woodland Park Zoo partners with other accredited zoos through the Species Survival Plan to ensure healthy generations of cheetahs into the future. The World Association for Zoos and Aquariums manages cheetah populations globally through the International Studbook, tracking genetic variations for successful population management across the world. The zoo also supports the Cheetah Conservation Fund through its Wildlife Survival Fund, dedicated to investing in endangered species before it’s too late.

WHEN: Saturday, May 3, 9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Wildlife Survival Zone at Woodland Park Zoo. Enter through West Entrance at Phinney Ave. N. between N. 55th & N. 56th Sts. or South Entrance at N. 50th St. & Fremont Ave. N.

INFO: May 1-September 30 zoo hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. Admission: Adult (13-64) $18.75; Child (3-12) $11.75; Toddler (0-2) Free. Active, retired, and veteran U.S. military and their families, seniors and people with disabilities receive a discount. Zoo members receive free admission year round.

For more information visit zoo.org.

Media contact: Gigi Allianic, Caileigh Robertson
206.548.2550 | woodlandparkzoopr@zoo.org

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