Since our female cheetah Anika arrived from Vienna Zoo in April 2023 on a breeding recommendation as part of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), we have been introducing Anika to our two male cheetah, Abasi and Azizi, alternately, in the hope of breeding success.
In the wild, cheetah females are solitary and nomadic whereas the males are either solitary or live in small groups called coalitions and defend a territory. The females roam through these territories coming into contact and are then pursued by the males to breed.
Here at Colchester Zoological Society (CZS), the cheetah live in neighbouring habitats and we alternate access to different areas with the aim of replicating the interactions they would have in the wild, with the ultimate aim of triggering breeding success.
When Anika first arrived at CZS, she had not had any interactions with male cheetah, so we chose to separate the brothers and introduce them one at a time. Anika has since grown in confidence around the brothers and has shown some very positive behaviours, particularly towards Abasi, but so far there have not been any successful matings.
To increase the chance of successful matings, we have chosen to re-socialise Abasi and Azizi, who will both remain at their home at Edge of Africa. During this time, Anika has moved to Azizi’s previous habitat opposite Dragons of Komodo. We hope that this time will encourage successful matings when they are reintroduced to one another.
We will be sure to inform you of any updates as we have them, keep in touch via our website or social media channels.
