For the rest of the week I thought I would share animal and bird photos seen in various areas we have visited over the years. These were taken at the Honolulu Zoo in December 2008. I have shared before, but not for a while.
She had such incredible grace, the first thing I noticed when she half walked-half ran passed our viewing window.
Interesting facts about the Cheetah.
Scientific name: Acinonyx jubatus
It's name comes from the Sanskrit word chita, meaning spotted one. A cheetah has a long streamline body, flexible spine, long legs, a long tail that acts as a rudder, an enlarged heart, large lungs and semi retractable blunt claws which aid the cats traction and turning ability at high speed. Its eyes are physically adapted for speed, enabling it to spot distant prey and follow it with pinpoint precision before catching it.
The cheetah's body is specialized for speed and it is the fastest land animal. The speed of a hunting cheetah averages 40 miles per hour during a chase.
The cheetah originated about 4 million years ago, long before other big cats, and was once common throughout Europe, North America, Asia and Africa.
You can read a lot more information at this website.
Your shots are beautiful! Especially the third. The sunny day makes it even prettier.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ginny, sunlight seems to make everything prettier doesn't it? :)
DeleteThey are incredibly beautiful - and so very graceful. Thank you for sharing this stunner.
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome EC, happy you enjoyed them :)
DeleteIncredible!
ReplyDeleteUm...Is it bad that this makes me think of Cheetos?
Thank you Sandi, and yes you can think that :) There is a Cheetah on their box if I remember correctly.
DeleteShe is absolutely gorgeous! Love those speckled looks I saw a pair of leggings that looks just like her and this makes me wish I had bought them I do have the brown and black leopard but nothing like this cheetah. Maybe if I wore them I would be fast like she is
ReplyDeleteShe is isn't she? You always have a great attitude. I think you should wear your leggings. The power of suggestion goes a long way ;)
DeleteBeautiful cheetah and incredible photos!
ReplyDeleteThank you Gigi :)
DeleteFirst of all...one of my favorite big cats...secondly, We've been to Honolulu and didn't visit the zoo! Maybe I should tell Bud we should return. ☺
ReplyDeleteI would like to see your photos next time you visit :)
DeleteBeautiful creature!
ReplyDeleteThank you, I thought so too :)
Deleteabsolutely beautiful pictures of a stunning animal. So powerful. Thank you for visiting me today....
ReplyDeleteHello Shug, thank you and yes I agree, so powerful. I enjoyed visiting and will be over again ASAP :)
DeleteSuch a beautiful creature.
ReplyDeleteLovely photographs, thanks for the information too.
All the best Jan
Thank you Jan, you are very welcome and all the best to you too :)
DeleteWow, Denise, awesome photos of such a graceful animal. Her piercing eyes are amazing. Nice to read about the origin of the name. Glad she was behind glass! The fastest land animal would be hard to elude.
ReplyDeleteHappy you enjoyed my post and thank you :) I agree, her eyes were amazing, such a beautiful animal. Yes indeed!
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