Join Solo the cheetah at his lookout

Duration

15 Min

About

During your Meet-A-Cheetah experience, you will join Solo the cheetah on his daily outing to the lookout.

Canberra’s National Zoo & Aquarium offers one of the most incredible animal experiences in Australia – the opportunity to provide hands-on enrichment for this amazing cat.

At all times an experienced zookeeper will be with you to answer your questions, pass on important information regarding their conservation in the wild and guide you as you interact with these incredible animals. A maximum of 4 people can join Solo with the keeper per session, and sessions last for approximately 15 minutes.

More info

Although the cheetahs enjoy their time meeting guests, it must be remembered that they are big cats (and predators) and as such they:

Can take an undue interest in anything unusual (big cameras, long hair, animal prints etc)
Can take unwanted interest in anyone who is small, so height and age restrictions apply
Have a sixth sense that allows them to quickly identify prey that has a physical disability. With people, this could be any physical impairment including a limp, a prosthetic limb, very poor eyesight etc.
Additionally, the cheetah may be in a playful mood and may wish to over-engage with the visitor. Guests are required to be able to respond quickly to keepers directions to stand up, move back etc. Good mobility and motor skills are essential and those with restricted movement due to a physical impairment or their age or weight, may not be able to do the encounter. If you are unable to kneel down to pat the cheetah and be able to stand up quickly if required, you may still be able to go on the encounter but not get in a position to pat. Speak to the zoo beforehand.

There is always some risk in any animal encounter. Please understand that we cannot let you do the encounter if we feel your safety could be further at risk due to a physical impairment. If you have any concerns about meeting the requirements above or below, please contact the zoo well before your encounter on 6287 8400 to discuss if you are eligible. As most encounters are booked out, any late cancellation due to a visitor not meeting all the requirements on this form will not be eligible for a refund.

Zoo entry included

What to bring

Comfortable shoes