Cheetah

Hello there! I'd like to tell you my story. I am a cheetah, and I'm known for being the fastest runner on land! My legs are long and strong, and when I sprint, it feels like I am flying across the plains. My coat is very special, too. It's a sandy-gold color covered in solid black spots, which helps me blend in perfectly with the tall, dry grass of my home. This camouflage keeps me hidden when I am hunting. I also have unique black lines that run from the inside of each eye down to the sides of my mouth. People call them 'tear marks,' but they aren't because I'm sad. They work just like sunglasses for people, helping to block the bright glare of the sun so I can see clearly.

When I was a little cub, I spent all my time with my mother and my brothers and sisters. We loved to play games, tumbling and chasing each other through the grass. Our mom was our best teacher. She showed us how to hunt and how to be patient and quiet. I learned so much just by watching her. Here is a little secret about us cheetahs: we can't roar like a lion. But when we are happy or feeling cozy with our families, we can purr just like a kitten. It is a soft, rumbling sound that shows we feel safe and content.

As my brothers and I grew up, we learned that we were stronger together. So, we formed a group called a 'coalition.' Living in a coalition means we always have each other's backs. We hunt together as a team and protect one another from danger. My sisters went off on their own to start their own families, but my brothers and I decided to stick together for life. It's wonderful to have a family that helps you stay safe and strong.

My home is in the wide-open grasslands of Africa, which are called the savanna. I love having so much room to run and stretch my legs. Sadly, our homes are getting smaller, which makes life harder for us. But I have good news. Many kind people are working to help protect our land. They are creating safe places for us to live. In the year 2022, a very hopeful thing happened. Some of my cheetah cousins were carefully moved to a new home in India to help start new cheetah families there. It shows that people really care about us. My role in the savanna is very important. By hunting, I help keep the number of other animals in balance. This ensures that the grasslands stay healthy for everyone. My speed helps my entire ecosystem thrive, and I am proud to be such an important part of my world.