Dogs have always been great partners for humans, serving as emotional support animals even before we used that term for them. Traditionally, emotional support dogs help humans cope with mental illness, anxiety, depression, and phobias. Anyone who has a dog knows how understanding and comforting they can be.
Recently, zoos across the United States have been taking advantage of dogs’ calming and caring nature to help with an animal that often struggles in captivity: the skittish, sensitive cheetah.
Zookeepers have discovered that dogs can be an effective support animal for these often-nervous cats, helping them feel comfortable in their zoo habitat.
The Origins of the Cheetah-Dog Friendship
The San Diego Zoo in the United States was the first to try out using a dog as a companion for a cheetah. In 1980, a golden retriever named Anna was paired with a cheetah named Arusha, who was born in captivity. Initially Arusha hissed at Anna, but true to the affable nature of her breed, Anna did not react aggressively. The two eventually bonded to each other, and Anna clearly helped Arusha feel more calm and comfortable. They often spent most of the day together except during mealtimes.
Since the success of Anna and Arusha, at least 15 other zoos across the United States have been introducing emotional support dogs to their cheetah habitats.
Dogs can often help cheetahs cope with stressful situations since cheetahs are often anxious and have a strong fight or flight instinct.
Cheetahs and dogs are usually paired when the animals are both young, giving them a chance to form a close bond. And of course, the cubs and puppies make for some very cute photoshoots.
Since cheetahs are very timid, the process is slow to ensure no issues arise. The two animals will start off in separate enclosures next to each other, where they can get to know each other without the chance for harm. The zookeepers will then put the two in the same enclosure, but keep the puppy leashed. Once the cheetah is comfortable with the puppy and they start to play together nicely, they’re allowed to spend most of their time together freely.
The bond between cheetahs and dogs shows that animals can form incredible friendships, even across species, and the benefits are great for everyone.
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