A Cheetah and a Dog at a New Jersey Zoo Are Unlikely Friends

According to people.com, a cheetah named Nandi in Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, NJ is being raised with a Labrador retriever named Bowie.

People.com says the zoo uses dogs like Bowie to help ease the anxiety the cheetahs may experience.

In addition to emotional support, people.com says the one-year-old's, Nandi and Bowie, also enjoy "playing and scrapping" with each other.

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Bowie turns one year old today! Bowie is the buddy for our Ambassador Cheetah, Nandi. He makes sure that she always feels comfortable and confident. Bowie is a very playful yellow labrador retriever, who loves playing & wrestling with Nandi. He also loves learning new things, long walks (on or off the beach), & cuddling with his trainers. His silly, playful nature brings joy to everyone he meets. Happy first birthday, Bowie! 🎂

A post shared by Turtle Back Zoo (@officialturtlebackzoo) on Dec 17, 2019 at 11:39am PST

 

 

 

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We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming to bring you this important announcement: TURTLE BACK ZOO’S CHEETAHS ARE ONE YEAR OLD TODAY!!!! Today, Nandi, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore celebrate their first birthday. They came to Turtle Back Zoo when they were just a few weeks old, and we cannot believe how much they have grown! Their first year has been full of fun new experiences, learning new things, and building strong relationships with one another and their trainers. Baby Cheetahs usually only weigh around 10 oz when they are born, and now these cats are all around 55-75 lbs! Take a stroll down memory lane with these precious photos from their first year. Stay tuned for some photos from today’s birthday celebration!⠀ *** Can’t get enough of these cuties? Join us for International Cheetah Day on December 4th for some exciting events! *** A post shared by Turtle Back Zoo (@officialturtlebackzoo) on Nov 23, 2019 at 9:46am PST

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Did You Know...?⠀ Ambassador cheetahs are commonly raised with puppies to boost their confidence during programs! Nandi ❤️ Bowie⠀ #keepinginreal #nzkw2019⠀ 📸 : Keepers Viola, Joanna & Sam

A post shared by Turtle Back Zoo (@officialturtlebackzoo) on Jul 24, 2019 at 5:00pm PDT

According to their website, Turtle Back Zoo is "funded by the County of Essex as a service to the residents of the County and the surrounding areas.

Turtle Back Zoo is open daily from 10:00am-3:30pm.  Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for children 2-12, and $10 for seniors.  For more info, click here.