By Lente Roode | Project Leader
While we have still been referring to Philipina’s cubs as cubs because this is how our supporters have gotten to know them, at just over two years old, they are now considered adults and have moved past their adolescent phase. Perhaps a better term to use now would be to refer to them as Philipina’s offspring. It is interesting to note that female cheetahs reach sexual maturity between 21 – 22 months (just under 2 years) of age, while male cheetahs take longer at 30 – 36 months (2,5 to 3 years) of age.
They still receive 1,5 kg (around 3,3 pounds) of meat daily. This feeding formula has been developed using strict feeding guidelines suitable for the cheetahs’ nutritional needs. Philipina’s offspring are always very eager to receive their food and seem to show their disapproval if the feeding truck rides past and doesn’t tend to them straight away.
In terms of their daily activities, in true cheetah style, they spend most of their day resting. They love to spend their time under the trees or up against their enclosure fence to survey their surroundings. While lying about makes them appear to be tame, do not be fooled - their instincts to hunt other animals are clearly functioning well, as can be seen from their sudden alertness when the monkeys visit their camp.
There is still a long way to go in their journey, so please continue to follow all the news.
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