Cheetah Cub, Puppy Make Fast Friends at Va. Zoo

They were definitely not #Squadgoals when they first met; Kumbali was very anxious around Kago but the puppy showed how playful he can be and Kumbali warmed right up.

“The mother would most likely consider him a threat”, says caretaker Jim Andelin.

These days, the two pals jump, run, play and lick each other just like any other best friend duo (well, maybe minus the licking part), and in the long-term, the zoo plans to reunite the cheetah with his family. The two became acquainted with each other in a zookeeper’s home before being moved to an outdoor enclosure.

The two adorable animals have quickly become best friends, almost brother-like.

The runt of his litter, Kumbali’s mum wasn’t producing enough milk for her three cubs so keepers at the Metro Richmond Zoo in the U.S. state of Virginia made a decision to hand-raise the cub. These cheetah-dog pairings in captivity has been happening for over 30 years. “The dog provides a calming influence for the cheetah, giving him behavioral cues”.

Perhaps their bond is so strong because it began shortly after birth, according to a post on the MRZ website.

In the short-term, zoo officials will continue to keep Kumbali and Kago together. “That calmness helps the cheetah remain calm as well”. “I just can’t believe we have an opportunity to have an animal like this in the Richmond region that we have a chance to get up close and personal with”.