Meet Emmett the Cheetah and Cullen the Dog, the Unlikely Animal Brothers of Columbus Zoo
There are roughly 6,600 adult cheetahs left in the wilderness. You would think that being the fastest land mammal would give cheetahs an advantage in escaping their natural predators and poachers, but unfortunately, that's not the case.
Conservation efforts to protect the species have begun, and several rescue organizations are working with local communities and zoos to help the dwindling cheetah population. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio has vowed to join these conservation efforts.
Cheetahs are not known for their extroverted and sociable personalities. In fact, in the wild, cheetahs are mostly solitary animals.
They do group with two or three male cheetahs to form a coalition, but they only tolerate each other's close proximity. Male cheetahs stay with female cheetahs only after mating for a few days, while the females raise the cubs alone.
Cheetahs are notoriously shy and flighty animals who never remain in one area for long. This could pose a problem if cheetahs find themselves in zoos surrounded by other animals with no other place to go.
This is how Emmett the cheetah cub found himself at the Columbus Zoo. He was only two weeks old when he arrived at the zoo after his mother was unable to adequately care for him.
Emmett had other siblings, but they did not survive
Emmett himself was hand-reared while simultaneously being treated for pneumonia. He was a fighter and survived the ordeal.
Emmett chose Cullen the yellow Labrador Retriever to be his puppy companion
Emmett, like any other cheetah, is naturally shy and skittish
Growing alongside Cullen will help him build his confidence as they navigate their new home. All cheetah cubs under the care of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium are raised alongside their own dog companions.
Their companionship also helps raise awareness about the dire situation surrounding the wild cheetah population
Emmett was essentially an orphan when he arrived at the zoo
With the help of his puppy buddy, Cullen, he became more confident and relaxed around other animals
This dynamic duo probably doesn't even know they are different from each other
All they know is that they are brothers who are meant to help each other out
Their companionship and bond have been forged ever since they were young
At this point, it's pretty unbreakable
Emmett and Cullen are more than just residents at the Columbus Zoo. They actually have an important job that they do every day, aside from their very important playtime, of course.
Emmett is an ambassador for his fellow cheetahs who need help. Thanks to his unique upbringing with his brother Cullen, Emmett is less shy and nervous when he is in new environments.
The cheetahs go around the zoo and make appearances to advocate for their fellow big cats. Sharing their stories has helped raise awareness for the ongoing conservation efforts for their species.
You can watch a short video of Emmett the cheetah and Cullen the dog below:
Cheetahs like Emmett need our help to ensure their survival in the wild. Emmett is one of the lucky ones who have found a new home where he is protected and loved.
Cullen's companionship has been invaluable in Emmett's journey to becoming a "spokescheetah" for his fellow animals. Let's hope these two will have many more happy adventures together!
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