Who can resist a beautiful baby? They're cute and cuddly -- and covered in fur. That's because these are zoo babies! Every year, zoos across the country celebrate Spring by introducing their newest offspring to the public.
The event just started here in Cincinnati and it's a perennial favorite. Plus, the zoo gets to educate the public about it's achievements. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens has an incredible record for breeding endangered species.
Knowing the event was coming up, last week I scheduled a story shoot to preview zoo babies -- to let our viewers know about the event. I'll admit I had two motives. First, I knew this was a solid story idea. After all, people love cute zoo babies. You can't lose. The other motive was self serving. I love zoo babies -- and I had an excuse to see them -- at work!
I have to say the experience was a thrill, all because of a six month old Cheetah named "Tommy T." Accompanied by zoo keepers, a videographer and I walked into the Cheetah pen. It's a large, wide open and grassy space. That way, there's room for the Cheetahs to run. Tommy can't run at full speed yet, but he already displays the grace and power of a big cat. He's being raised with a litter mate. Unfortunately there are no other baby Cheetahs. Ready for this? His litter mate and best friend is a puppy!
Just a few feet away from me, unleashed, the two wrestled and played. The puppy, "Pow-Wow," grabbed his buddy by the tail as Tommy boxed his ears. I watched Tommy "hunt" -- crouching low, remaining perfectly still with one paw raised -- right before he burst forth running to tackle Pow-Wow.
Two things stood out to me during that experience. One, I was closer to a wild and exotic animal than I ever had been before. I could hear the rumble in Tommy's throat as he purred a few feet away. It seemed as though I been transported to the African Savannah. Except of course for the second thing that stood out -- he was playing with a dog. Neither animal seemed to notice that this was highly unusual. In fact, in Africa, the same Anatolian Shepherds are used to protect livestock from Cheetahs. Ironic.
The ink black markings on his face. Those brilliant topaz eyes. I was in love. Unfortunately, I'm certain Tommy was not impressed with me. In fact, he barely looked in my direction. Typical feline! It's okay, I won't hold it against him. After all, that was a pretty good day at work.
*For more pictures of Tommy and Pow-Wow: http://www.cheetahdays.com/
The event just started here in Cincinnati and it's a perennial favorite. Plus, the zoo gets to educate the public about it's achievements. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens has an incredible record for breeding endangered species.
Knowing the event was coming up, last week I scheduled a story shoot to preview zoo babies -- to let our viewers know about the event. I'll admit I had two motives. First, I knew this was a solid story idea. After all, people love cute zoo babies. You can't lose. The other motive was self serving. I love zoo babies -- and I had an excuse to see them -- at work!
I have to say the experience was a thrill, all because of a six month old Cheetah named "Tommy T." Accompanied by zoo keepers, a videographer and I walked into the Cheetah pen. It's a large, wide open and grassy space. That way, there's room for the Cheetahs to run. Tommy can't run at full speed yet, but he already displays the grace and power of a big cat. He's being raised with a litter mate. Unfortunately there are no other baby Cheetahs. Ready for this? His litter mate and best friend is a puppy!
Just a few feet away from me, unleashed, the two wrestled and played. The puppy, "Pow-Wow," grabbed his buddy by the tail as Tommy boxed his ears. I watched Tommy "hunt" -- crouching low, remaining perfectly still with one paw raised -- right before he burst forth running to tackle Pow-Wow.
Two things stood out to me during that experience. One, I was closer to a wild and exotic animal than I ever had been before. I could hear the rumble in Tommy's throat as he purred a few feet away. It seemed as though I been transported to the African Savannah. Except of course for the second thing that stood out -- he was playing with a dog. Neither animal seemed to notice that this was highly unusual. In fact, in Africa, the same Anatolian Shepherds are used to protect livestock from Cheetahs. Ironic.
The ink black markings on his face. Those brilliant topaz eyes. I was in love. Unfortunately, I'm certain Tommy was not impressed with me. In fact, he barely looked in my direction. Typical feline! It's okay, I won't hold it against him. After all, that was a pretty good day at work.
*For more pictures of Tommy and Pow-Wow: http://www.cheetahdays.com/
