Animal Ark Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary
The mission of Animal Ark is to inspire environmental stewardship through wildlife education. Since 1981, Animal Ark has provided a safe haven for injured, abandoned and otherwise non-releasable wildlife.
Animal Ark is located about 30 minutes north of Reno, NV.
I visited Animal Ark to photograph one of their "Cheetah Run" events. Among other animals they have two cheetahs. They are bothers and are 14 years old. The life expectancy of a cheetah in the wild is 16, so they are slowing down. They are exercised by having them chase a lure pulled around a 300 yard course. A few times during the year, this is opened to the public.
In addition to the cheetahs, they have a number of other animals, some of which I was able to photograph.
A tiger - here are a number of shots...
The Cheetah Run...
This year, because of their age and the heat, each of the two cheetahs only ran once. They have slowed down, only average about 50 mph instead of 60. Still, I missed many shots as they went by.
Credits:
All photos copyright by Bob Henderson