Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo welcomes 2 cheetahs

GULF SHORES, Ala. ( WKRG ) — The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo has welcomed some new residents, according to officials.

Two female cheetahs named Taj and Shani.

“This is an exciting time for the zoo, as it’s the very first time we have had the opportunity to house cheetahs,” explained Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Executive Director Joel M. Hamilton.

The Metro Richmond Zoo chose the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, a Zoological Association of America accredited facility, to become home to the two animals in the ZAA Animal Management Plan.

Officials said they hope the pair can be used to teach visitors about cheetahs.

“It is our hope that our guests will see these cheetahs and be inspired to help support their conservation and increase awareness of the world around us,” Hamilton said.

The formal announcement of the pair’s arrival is scheduled for July 18 at 10 a.m., but officials said, “The cheetahs have been adjusting well to their new surroundings and can often be found enjoying the shade of the palm trees in their exhibit.”

The pair can be visited daily at the zoo between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., according to a press release.

For more information on the zoo’s animals, visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo’s website.

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