Nandi, a timid cheetah dealing with anxiety, now has her very own emotional support canine to boost her self-assurance. The inseparable duo, Nandi and Bowie the Labrador Retriever, have been fast friends since they first met as young cubs at Turtle Back Zoo in New Jersey.
In an approach adopted in various zoos, a large feline was paired with a canine companion to provide comfort during stressful situations like public presentations. Nandi seeks solace in Bowie, finding reassurance that all is well and she is safe in his presence.
The inseparable pair has been together for over a year now. Despite the natural fear many would have facing a cheetah, their bond is so strong that Bowie even engages in playfights with his spotty sibling. With Bowie by her side, Nandi expresses her happiness and contentment by purring loudly.
This lovable dog has received training similar to that of therapy animals for humans, but instead uses his skills to help his feline friend remain calm.
Because cheetahs are typically nervous animals, having Bowie accompany her allows us to confidently showcase her during educational demonstrations like this.
Dogs that have received specialized training are employed in the wild to protect livestock by preventing cheetahs from preying on them. Many farmers point the finger at cheetahs for hunting and attacking their animals.
