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Honolulu Zoo welcomes 3 cheetah sisters

By Craig T. Kojima

Oct. 31, 2019

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Video by CKojima@staradvertiser.com, Editing by DLee@staradvertiser.com
Three new South African cheetahs from the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute recently joined the Honolulu Zoo.
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The Honolulu Zoo on Thursday celebrated the arrival of three new South African cheetahs from the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, where they were born.
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The three sister cheetahs — Fawkes, Nagini and Pickett — were born on July 9, 2018, at the Smithsonian, where they received their “Harry Potter” inspired names. They arrived at the Honolulu Zoo on Sunday.
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“We’re excited to have a cheetah population again,” said zoo director Linda Santos, adding that the staff offered the sisters small pumpkins this morning. “As you can see they’re very acclimated and very inquisitive.”
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Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell talked with reporters at the Honolulu Zoo on Thursday.
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The three female cheetahs were brought to Honolulu Zoo as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan Program which aims to maintain a genetically diverse and stable population of various animals for the long-term.
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Select zoos are chosen as breeding facilities and others as holding facilities. Honolulu Zoo was chosen as a holding facility for the cheetahs, according to zoo director Linda Santos, until they are ready to be bred with a genetically viable match.
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With their slender, long-legged bodies, cheetahs are built for speed. They can accelerate from 0 to 45 mph in just 2.5 seconds, according to the Smithsonian, and reach top speeds of 60 to 70 miles per hour.
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Cheetahs inhabit the African savanna, but are vulnerable to extinction due to loss of habitat.
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The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List has classified the cheetah as “vulnerable” due to its decreasing population.
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Scarlett Shakles, Director of Education at the Honolulu Zoo Society, holds bags of Cheetos to celebrate the arrival of the three new South African cheetahs.
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