(TruthSeekerDaily) Here is a great story: A cheetah named Kasie and a dog named Mtani are raised together at an animal park and are now best of friends! This unlikely duo started in March 2011, when Busch Gardens in Tampa received a 3-week-old orphaned cheetah, which required around-the-clock care as a furry newborn.
And because male cheetahs form “coalitions,” strong brotherly bonds, with their siblings, the search began for the lonely cub’s companion.
So they found a 6-week-old female Labrador retriever at a local shelter, who was bouncy, smart, playful, and patient — in other words, all the traits they thought would make a good cheetah best friend.
The two friends, who are a real draw to Busch Gardens visitors, celebrated their two-year anniversary together last April 6th.
If you’re wondering if the duo is still spending as much time together as they did when they were young, the answer is yes!
They live together full time at the park’s Cheetah Run habitat and even travel together to schools, events and television studios, helping the park’s education team teach the public about the plight of cheetahs in the wild and the importance of Busch Gardens’ conservation efforts.
After being introduced they felt very comfortable with each other.
The two enjoy playing ball together
Kasi and Mtani exercise with the habitat’s lure system,
designed to encourage the animals to do what
cheetahs (and dogs) do best: run and chase!
Here is Kasi and Mtani celebrating Halloween
with some pumpkins.
While once smaller than his labrador friend,
Kasi now towers above Mtani.
Kasi, the cheetah and best friend Mtani are truly best friends!