OLYMPIC ANIMALS WEEK!

OLYMPIC ANIMALS WEEK!

As human athletes gather in London to compete in this year’s Summer Olympic Games, we here at Ellie and Edmond headquarters want to celebrate some amazing animal athletes! And let us tell you these animals can put humans to shame! Our first animal lives in the savannahs of Africa and man are they FAST! Grab your safari outfit and let’s set off to meet…

MEET THE CHEETAH!

   Range/Habitat: Africa/ savannas-deserts

   Diet: Carnivore: gazelle, antelopes, hares

   Length/Weight: 3 ½-5 ft/ 46-160 lbs

   Conservation Status: vulnerable

Fun Facts:

• Cheetahs are the world’s fastest land animal.
• They can sprint up 62 mph.
• Cheetahs have a backbone that is flexible and acts like a spring.
• Cheetahs have semi-retractable claws that help them accelerate.
• Their tails work as a rudder and help the cheetah turn easily while running.
• Cheetahs have excellent eyesight.
• Cheetahs tan color and spots help them camouflage perfectly in the grasslands.

Cheetahs are such graceful and powerful cats! Their long, lean and muscular bodies are definitely amazing adaptations.  Who wants to have a race against a cheetah?