The western suburbs have many nice little spots for seniors to settle in, but arguably none are as spacious and scenic as the Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Kulinda the 12-year-old cheetah is certainly spending her golden years in style.
Although she could still reach speeds of up to 90 km/h, her days now include more rest and relaxation, plus regular health checks to support her as she ages.
African River Trail keeper Maya Watt said Kulinda, one of the oldest cheetahs in Australasia, is aging gracefully.
“Cheetah’s normally live to eight years old in the wild, so with the luxury lifestyle she leads in the zoo, she’s in great condition for an elderly animal and is very playful and alert,” Ms Watt said.
“She is a very vocal cat and meows and chirps during the open mouth training and always presents her tail to us so we can check her blood pressure.”
Notoriously calm and relaxed, Kulinda truly goes at her own pace.
She loves basking in the sun and spritzing with her favourite perfume– eucalyptus leaves.
While Chanel hasn’t offered her a signature scent deal yet, Ms Watts says it’s only a matter of time before the Milanese fashionistas come knocking.
“She’s such a striking cheetah with her piercing eyes and tear-drop shaped spots on her face which not only look regal but help to reflect the sun and improve her focus on prey,” she said.
Visitors can see Kulinda basking in her heated hat bed when they visit the African River Trail at Werribee Open Range Zoo.
