Adorable young Cheetah taking a rest in the grass (00016020)
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Description: Cheetah/Acinonyx jubatus Young Cheetah relaxing in the grass. This adorable seven-week-old cheetah cub is taking a break in the grass. It comes from a private cheetah breeding station near the Addo Elephant Park, where it is being cared for to be released into the wild later on. The cheetah, the fastest land animal, is known for reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h. Unfortunately, the population of wild cheetahs is declining rapidly due to habitat loss, poaching for zoos, and the illegal trade of their skins. Farmers see cheetahs as a threat to their livestock and often shoot them.
Location: Eastern Cape, Cheetah breeding station (near Addo Elephant Park), South Africa
Date of Capture: 04.08.2004