800 Wild Cheetahs Sprinting Across Kenya

Cheetahs in Kenya are part of the country's "Big Cat" family that also includes the African lion and leopards.

There are 800 of these animals sprinting across Kenya.

Unlike leopards that have rosettes on their white coats, the cheetahs' cream coats are dotted with fine spots.

They also have a distinctive tearline that runs from the inside corner of each eye down to the corner of the mouth. These are a special antiglare mechanism, just like sunglasses, to help keep prey in sight...

And, if you have any doubt that their spotted coat and tearline turn these cats into some gorgeous photogenic creatures, be sure to check out these cheetah pictures.

Speed

The Ferrari of the animal world; the cheetah is, undisputedly, the world's fastest animal.

This sleekest of the Kenya animals can attain a speed of up to 112 km (70 miles) per hour in 3 seconds, thanks to its long slim torso, muscular legs, a small head, deep chest and long tail that is great for balance.

Its body also has a flexible spine allowing it to change direction quickly and it is the only member of the cat family that is unable to retract its claws giving it extra grip and immense traction.

Usain Bolt in a Cartel?

Cheetahs, which are unfortunately Africa's most endangered cat, recently received some welcome international publicity from Usain Bolt.

While on a trip to Kenya, the world's fastest man adopted a cub of the world's fastest animal, appropriately christening him 'Lightening Bolt.'

Because he's helping to prop up his competition, Bolt might well be accused of engaging in cartel-like behavior - with a twist!

A Lesson in Parenting

Cheetahs are solitary animals with the only exception being when a mother is rearing her cubs.

These adorable animals are what every mother should be - family-oriented, patient, protective and a great teacher. They spend up to a year painstakingly teaching their cubs the art of hunting. And when they think their cubs are ready, they even bring back live prey for them to practice stalking and chasing.

The cubs then spend another year and a half with their mother perfecting their skills before venturing off into the wild world to fend for themselves.

A mother communicates with her cubs with whines, hisses, growls and purrs, but unlike lions, never roars at them.

What do Cheetahs Eat?

The solitary cats are carnivorous so they eat only meat. This cat's delicacies are small mammals such as gazelles, warthogs, hares and jackals but also birds.

Once they've knocked their prey to the ground by a flick of the paw they suffocate it with a bite to the neck. This is all done with lightening speed after which they drag their hapless victim to a hiding place where they feast in peace...

Eating has to be done very quickly though as other predators such as lions, hyenas and vultures are frequent uninvited visitors. This cat is timid and wont argue with bullies, it would rather walk away and leave her hard-won meal to the more aggressive predators.

These cats only need to drink every 3 to 4 days so water, although important, doesn't top the list of priorities.

Habitats in Kenya

Animal habitats are invariably dictated by the availability of food. Cheetahs need the cover provided by long grass, shrubs (unlike leopards, they don't climb trees) and termite mounds on which they can scan the surroundings for prey...

However, plenty of open ground is a prerequisite for that pulsating chase so these Kenya animals live in open grasslands.

Some of the best places to see these unforgettable animals in action are the Masai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park.

Masai Mara's ecosystem attracts a diverse number of animals such as lions, African elephants, leopards, buffaloes and wildebeest. These solitary cats are drawn to the Mara's savannah that teems with an incredible number and range of prey.

Amboseli National Park is much smaller but has some beautiful views, particularly of the Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain and is visited by people looking to take in the attendant magnificent sights...

What's of more interest to these big cats though is the immediate vicinity of the park's Lake Amboseli that is both frequented by prey and provides lots of open ground suitable for the legendary chase.

If you're only in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, be sure to be on the look out for these animals in Nairobi National Park. If you are short of time and can't make it to the parks, the Nairobi Safari Walk is a great place to see and even stroke one of these lovable cats in semi-wild conditions. While on the raised walkway, be on the lookout for the cheetah paddock to the left.

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