Zeus is Libran Wildlife Reserve’s cheetah. And in human terms, he’s now an old aged pensioner!

While he still enjoys the occasional prowl around the reserve, Zeus has always preferred the simple things in life… a warm patch of sunshine and good company. You’ll often find him stretched out in the sun, or in the shade of the lemon tree, watching the world go by and making the most of a peaceful afternoon with his friends nearby.

And recently, the old boy has developed quite a taste for milk and eggs. In fact, he’ll happily wander into the house and station himself by the counter until someone gets the hint and serves his latest favourite snack.

Zues Pneumonia Update

Poor old Zeus the Cheetah has been in the wars recently with a double bout of Pneumonia.

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, causing them to fill with fluid or pus and isn’t uncommon in animals of Zeus’s age. However, and just like its human counterpart, it’s usually treattable.  

Zeus’s condition han’t been helped by a very cold winter in South Africa.

Cheetahs are not domesticated animals. Zeus has, however, been raised in human care and is completely accustomed to the caregivers he has known and trusted for years. He also lost his lifelong partner earlier this year, and since then he’s sought out human company even more.

At 15 years old, Zeus is an elderly cheetah. Right now, the cold takes far more out of him than it once did, and keeping him warm, comfortable and surrounded by the people he loves is what he needs.

Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, reaching speeds of around 60–70 mph (97–113 km/h) in short bursts.

They accelerate extremely quickly, going from 0 to 60 mph in roughly three seconds.

Cheetahs cannot roar like lions or tigers, but they can purr, chirp, growl and hiss.

Their black “tear marks” help reduce glare from the sun and may improve their focus while hunting.

Cheetahs hunt mainly during the day, which helps them avoid stronger nocturnal predators such as lions and hyenas