There are so many occupations but Cheetah Keeper is not one of the most popular. I was fascinated by the way the Cheetah Keepers, Leslie Soloman and Marie Martinez, handled the cheetahs at the Safari West Wildlife Preserve.
These beautiful wild animals sat calmly next to the two ladies’ seeming as tame as your pet dog.
Marie explained, “The cheetahs are wild animals from Africa. Our four cheetahs were hand-raised. If cheetahs are properly hand-raised they can be around people but remember they are wild animals, not pets. We always have two keepers present at the same time and never take it for granted that the cheetahs are wild.
Cheetahs weigh from 60-140 pounds and are not known for preying on people as opposed to the lions and leopards. The cheetahs prefer small antelopes and young animals up to two times their size. They are the fastest mammal in the world with the ability to run up to 70 miles per hour.”
How did they become Cheetah Keepers? Marie had experience as a volunteer working with wild exotic animals which finally lead her to become the head of the Carnivore Department. “Kids today are interested in going to college for Biology and Zoology degrees. The best way to get into the profession is to volunteer at zoos and wild animal preserves in order to be around animals and understand their behavior. This is better than being book smart but of course book smart is good too along with direct experience.”
This is a dangerous profession for two women especially as everyone remembers Siegfried and Roy’s serious tiger accident. When my “Las Vegas Today Show” radio program broadcast live from the Continental Hotel, some of my guests were animal trainers and their wild animals but I do not know any Cheetah keepers!
Leslie feels, “We say you can train exotic animals but not tame them. I like to think we’re safe. Our job is to share all of the information about Africa and teach the public about the animals.”
Africa is here in northern California! The public can enjoy the thrills of behind-the-scenes tours. Safari West offers two special Cheetah Encounter tours called Fat Cat Alley and the Cheetah Barn.
Safari West is located in Santa Rosa, California. Flights are available from Santa Rosa and two hours from San Francisco direct to Las Vegas and Los Angeles. www.safariwest.com
California:
In addition to the Safari West Wild Animal Preserve, there is so much to see around Sonoma, and Napa Valley. www.visitcalifornia.com
Recommendations:
Farmhouse Inn, www.farmhouseinn.com
Quivira Winery, www.quivirawine.com
Michel-Schlumberger Organic Winery, www.michelschlumberger.com