Could love be in the air for new cheetahs at Longleat?

Tuesday, 9 April 2024 01:00

Keepers at Longleat are hoping there will be romance in the air this spring for three young cheetah males.

Themba, Ajani and Lunis have been exploring the grounds of Longleat after arriving from Germany.

The trio arrived after resident cheetahs Mo and Bolt were moved to the Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent as part of the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme.

Mo and Bolt were born at Longleat in August 2019 but, as they are related to Xena, one of the park’s two female cheetahs, couldn’t breed and didn’t show any interest in the other feline, Rachel.

Their keeper Kayleigh Smith said, “They are wonderful. We are really happy to have them and really hoping for more cheetah cubs which is so important for the breeding programme.

“When they arrived, they came straight out and were climbing, playing, grooming and running; they can run from zero to 70 if they really want to in this great open space that they have at Longleat.”

A new video released this week shows the journey for the boys from Stuttgart, through quarantine and finally being able to reach speeds of 70mph in the grounds of the Wiltshire Safari Park.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOUgRyIv6BU

More from Local News

The Barber Academy Celebrates Ten Years

The Barber Academy is marking ten years since first opening its doors on Fisherton Street, celebrating a decade of training new and experienced barbers while operating as a fully working barbershop.
The International Salisbury Pancake Race Returns for 2026

A popular Salisbury tradition will return this year with a light-hearted contest that brings together workplaces, visitors, and residents in a celebration of shared local spirit.
Bishop of Salisbury to Commission Eight Volunteer Chaplains for the LGBTQIA+ Community

The Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Revd Stephen Lake, is to commission eight volunteer chaplains to offer affirming support to LGBTQIA+ Christians and those exploring faith.
Tri-County Summit Boosts Joint Effort to Tackle Rural Crime

Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, has welcomed a renewed commitment to tackling rural crime following a tri‑county summit that brought together senior police leaders, MPs and representatives from rural organisations.
Local Voices Reveal Gaps and Solutions in Dementia Support

Safer and Supportive Salisbury (SaSS), the local community charity dedicated to building a safer and more supportive city, has published its Dementia Research Report 2025, an in-depth study into the experiences of people living with dementia, their carers, and dementia support providers across the Salisbury area.
Rock and Roll Man Interviews: Part 3 - Julian Bird & Gary Turner

Rock and Roll Man opens its UK tour at Salisbury Playhouse in February, and Salisbury Radio was invited to talk to some of the team behind the show.
The Spitfire Café Brings Family Fun to Cross Keys This February Half Term

Families looking for something fun and weather-proof to do this February half term are invited to Cross Keys Shopping Centre, Salisbury, where The Spitfire Café will be hosting a special Kids’ Club throughout the school holidays.
Local RNLI branch seeks more volunteers

The Salisbury and Wilton Fundraising branch of the RNLI is calling on local people to give a little time to suppor their fundraising efforts.