Smithsonian National Zoo #11: Cheetah's etc.

Across from the Asian trail and hugging the main parking lot is another configuration of habitats created like an "island" with a center subterranean structure for animal holding, etc. and a series of large wedge-shaped habitats.  Across from one side is another adjacent habitat creating a sort of overall tear drop shaped collection.  It would be easy to think of the collection of animals as representing Africa, but that would be an imperfect association as South American Maned Wolves are also part of the mix.  New to collection is an arboreal antelope known as the Sitatunga.  I am great fan of this species and quite familiar with it thanks the Maryland Zoo's long standing and highly successful conservation and breeding program.  The Smithsonian National Zoo's only Sitatunga is a lone male named Waylon.  Waylon shares his portion of the area with a pair of Red River Hogs.

Other animals found here include two others also kept at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Addra (a.k.a. Damas, a.k.a. Mhorr) Gazelles and Lesser Kudus.  Additionally, there are Oryx, Red River Hogs, Griffon Vultures, Ground Hornbills, and Grevy's Zebras.  The Grevy's are easy to identify because they sport stripes that are very narrow.

And with all that the largest wedge of the island is home to three male Cheetahs: a lone male and two brothers.  They are all aware of one another, but are not displayed together.  The lone fellow and the brothers do not get along well.  All three are just a small part of the larger Cheetah population under the zoo's care at it's Leesburg, Virginia conservation facilities.  You just have to give it up for Cheetahs, they are the chillest of all bad cats.