FASTEST FEATURE AT SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK DEBUTS FOR SUMMER SAFARI: AFRICA EXTRAVAGANZA

FASTEST FEATURE AT SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK DEBUTS FOR
SUMMER SAFARI: AFRICA EXTRAVAGANZA

Shiley's Cheetah Run, Safari Park Summer Hours Begin July 2

     Don't blink, or you just might miss it. Starting Saturday, July 2, the fastest land animal will be showing off its speed every day at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Shiley's Cheetah Run shows Safari Park guests the cheetah's astounding speed - 0 to 70 mph in just 4 seconds. Cheetah Run is part of the Park's extended-hours program, Summer Safari: African Extravaganza, which runs from July 2 to Aug. 21, during which the Park is open until 7 p.m.

     Located near Lion Camp, Cheetah Run will take place at 5 p.m. daily, weather permitting, and is included with Park admission and membership. Cheetah Run is made possible through the generosity of local philanthropist Darlene Shiley and is named in honor of Shiley, one of the participating cheetahs.

     There are three cheetahs who are trained to run off leash for Cheetah Run: Amara, Shiley and Johari. Each day, one of these cheetahs will run down a 330-foot straight track while chasing a mechanical lure attached to its favorite toy. Guests, who could be as close as 7 feet away, may feel the wind as the cheetah passes by.

     "You are so close to the cheetahs here at the Safari Park," said Janet Rose-Hinostroza, animal training manager for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. "You can hear them breathing; you can hear their claws ripping the sod as they go past you. It is an incredible, exhilarating experience."

     In addition to Cheetah Run, this summer the Park features acrobats, a storyteller and an African chief as part of its African Extravaganza. The celebration begins as soon as visitors step onto the Park's front plaza, with the beat of an African drum setting the rhythm for adventure. Inside, Chief Kahle will provide a warm welcome, pose for pictures and hand each child their very own safari hat. Abantwana, the storyteller, will spin tales of African wildlife while guests play instruments that help the stories unfold.

     Entertainers who dance, pole climb and hula hoop will lead guests to a high-energy show by the African Acrobats of Tanzania, which includes juggling, contortionism and amazing balancing acts. Guests can join African artisans to create beaded necklaces or decorate safari hats in the African Activities Plaza. From 4 to 7 p.m. each day, guests will have an opportunity to make African music. Robert the Zebra, a digitally animated equine who jokes with children, and interactive animal puppets are sure to bring smiles to young faces.