Unlikely Best Buds: A Puppy and a Cheetah

Puppy and Cheetah pictureCincinnati Zoo

A puppy and a cheetah cub may seem like unlikely bedfellows, but at the Cincinnati Zoo they are brother and sister.

According to the Wilmington News Journal, the zoo adopted Cali, a mixed breed pup, to raise alongside Nia, their cheetah cub. Nia's other two siblings didn't survive and the zoo was looking for a similar animal to raise with Nia. The zoo needs to socialize Nia because she is being raised as an ambassador animal that will travel to schools to teach children about wildlife and conservation.

"Although a domestic dog and wild cat sound very different, they grow and learn the same. It is vital for all baby animals to play and rough house with others, that is how wild animals become successful adults," zoo trainer Kathy Watkins told Wilmington News Journal. "We needed a puppy that was similar in age to Nia and the puppies at the Clinton County Humane Society were perfect."

Nia and Cali are only two days apart in age. Watkins told the Wilmington News Journal that it was Cali who decided she should come home with her.

"She kept coming back to me to play with her and wanting to sit on my lap," Watkins said. "We knew she would be the best dog for me long-term and perfect to be a playmate and best friend for Nia." Cali will live and play with Nia for a year before she goes to her permanent home with Watkins.

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