The world’s fastest animal, the cheetah is built for speed. With long, slim, muscular legs, a small, rounded head, flexible spine, deep chest, special pads on their feet and a long tail for balance, these wild animals are incredible to watch, if you can spot them! Today we’re bringing you some unique facts about the animals and just where you can find them at Busch Gardens Tampa:

Where Do They Live
Historically cheetahs are native throughout all of the African and Asian continents. Currently they live in parts of eastern, central and southwestern Africa.

Look at all Those Spots
Cheetahs have between 2,000 and 3,000 spots. There spots help to camouflage them.

Speedy
Cheetahs are the fastest land animal in the world, reaching speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, but only for short stints of time like 30 seconds to a minute. They can however, accelerate from 0 to 68 miles per hour in just three seconds.

Lack thirst
Due to their hot climate, cheetahs have evolved to live off very little water. They can survive on one drink every three to four days.

Carnivores
Cheetahs are carnivores and prey on smaller animals in the wild. They eat primarily antelopes including springbok, steenbok, Thomson’s gazelle, impalas, and duiker. Occasionally they will hunt warthogs, rabbits and birds.

You can experience the speed of a cheetah on the thrill coaster Cheetah Hunt. Afterwards, learn more about the animals at Cheetah Run at Busch Gardens Tampa.