Elderly cheetah’s secret to a long life revealed

By Dean Murray

A veteran cheetah has learned the secret to a long life – a regular, and very cute, health care routine.

Kulinda, 12, willingly takes part in important check-ups at Werribee Open Range Zoo, near Melbourne – even making cute meowing noises during her dental examinations.

Jesse Failla, zoo spokesperson, says the female big cat is a "super intelligent cheetah."

He explains: "Most cheetahs live to around 8 years in the wild, but at 12 years old, and as one of the oldest cheetahs in Australasia, Kulinda has unlocked the secret to living a long life, thanks to an incredible healthcare routine.

"She can open her mouth on cue for a dental check, she can flick her tail to vets for a blood pressure cuff, or even present for a blood draw – all voluntarily."

Kulinda is still surrounded by the dedicated keepers who have cared for her every step of the way.

Jesse says: "Although she could still reach speeds of up to 90 kilometers an hour, her days now include more rest and relaxation, plus regular health checks to support her as she ages."

African River Trail keeper Maya Watt said Kulinda’s keepers are giving her extra care in the form of blood tests taken from her tail, open-mouth training to check her teeth, and medication to support her aging knees.

Maya says: "Cheetah’s normally live to eight years old in the wild, so with the luxe lifestyle she leads in the zoo, she’s in great condition for an elderly animal and is very playful and alert.

"She a very vocal cat and meows and chirps during the open mouth training and always presents her tail to us so we can check her blood pressure."