Cheetahs are known for their distinctive spots and being the world’s fastest land mammal, able to reach speeds of 70mph.

The cheetah’s whole body has been adapted for them to reach these high

speeds. They have very slender and lightweight limbs with specialised muscles, so they can accelerate very quickly to catch their prey.

But these top speeds can only be held for about 30 seconds so if they do not catch their prey straight away, they lose energy and their prey often get away.

Cheetahs are naturally found in Africa, living is vast expanses of land where they can find prey, often grasslands or savannahs.

These big cats spend most of their day sleeping, avoiding doing any activity during the hot African day. 

Sadly, they are Africa’s most endangered big cat, mostly due to habitat loss and poaching.

Zebras are strikingly beautiful animals known for their black-and-white striped coats. 

They are native to Africa and are often spotted in savannas, grasslands, and woodlands. 

Zebras are herbivores and, like hippos, are social animals, often found in herds. 

Their distinct stripes serve as both camouflage and a means of group identification.

Zebras, although not currently classified as endangered, are threatened by habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade.

Hippos, short for Hippopotamuses, are semi-aquatic mammals known for their massive size and distinctive appearance. 

These magnificent creatures are often found in rivers and lakes in Africa, living in close-knit social groups. 

Hippos are herbivores and are known for their impressive tusks and powerful jaws. 

They are among the most iconic animals on the African continent, captivating visitors with their unique blend of power and grace.

They are particularly vulnerable due to habitat destruction and hunting for their ivory teeth. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies hippos as "Vulnerable."

African Parks is committed to the protection and conservation of African wildlife, including cheetahs, hippos, and zebras. African Parks is a non-profit conservation organisation that assumes the complete responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of national parks in partnership with governments and local communities. African Parks currently manages 22 national parks and protected areas in 12 countries covering over 20 million hectares.

The organisation was founded in 2000 in response to the dramatic decline of protected areas due to poor management and lack of funding. African Parks utilises a clear business approach to conserving Africa’s wildlife and remaining wild areas, securing vast landscapes and carrying out the necessary activities needed to protect the parks and their wildlife. African Parks maintains a strong focus on economic development and poverty alleviation of surrounding communities to ensure that each park is ecologically, socially, and financially sustainable in the long-term.