Giving Hot Cheetahs Water By Hand - Cooling Down Big Cats In Drought Stricken South Africa.

During the summer of 2015, South Africa experienced its worst drought conditions in decades. All animals to include man suffered from it. In 100 degree Fahrenheit or 40 Celsius temperatures, I made sure a couple of my cheetah friends were taken care of; especially.

When temperatures are this hot, all the animals shut down and rest. They don't normally move until closer to sundown and then just before sunup. I know they don't get water during the blazing heat of the day. Cheetahs are adapted to drink water every 3 to 4 days but I like making sure they have what they want daily.

Water bowls are checked daily and Eden and Faith had spilled theirs so I refilled it. Instead of waiting for them to come to the water, I brought it to them and cooled them off. To help our bonding and relationship, I "hand fed" them their water and then let them drink from their bowl. I think they appreciated it. Afterward, I spread water over their backs, sides and head to help cool them off.