In a heartwarming story from the San Diego Zoo, a young cheetah named Rooks found himself in a unique situation. As the only kitten in his litter, Rooks faced the risk of abandonment by his mother, a common instinct among female cheetahs when they have only one cub. Recognizing the need for intervention, zoo staff decided to step in and provide Rooks with a companion, as he lacked the presence of siblings.
Their choice of a companion was an eight-month-old Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy, lovingly named Raina. The zoo’s intention was for Rooks and Raina to be constant companions, ensuring that Raina’s calming presence and body language would always be there to comfort Rooks, particularly in unfamiliar or challenging situations. This heartwarming bond between a cheetah cub and a puppy is a testament to the caring and innovative approaches taken by conservationists to ensure the well-being of these remarkable animals.