Cat Ambassador Program

Experience the unique opportunity of seeing leash-trained cats up-close and without bars. Cats are considered one of the most magnificent animals, and yet are disappearing today. Through interaction with a Zoo naturalist, you will learn about these endangered predators and what is being done to meet the challenges to their survival.

Run for the Record - September 9, 2009

Cincinnati Zoo Cheetah Takes on South African Cheetah for the World Record

Sarah, the Cincinnati Zoo's eight-year-old female cheetah, will attempt to break the world record for all land mammals, including humans in the Olympic 100-meter dash, when she takes on "Zaza", an eight-year-old female South African cheetah.

Here's how it works. Each cheetah will get three runs. Zaza will set the world record for female cheetahs when she goes first August 15 at Cheetah Outreach in South Africa at a measured course set by the Athletic Standards of South Africa. Her time and video of the run will be shared with the Cincinnati Zoo prior to Sarah's run. Sarah will then attempt to break Zaza's time with three runs of her own on September 9 at the Kentucky Speedway at a measured course, certified by Road Running Technical Council of USA Track & Field.

Learn more about the Run for the Record (PDF)

Cheetah Encounter at the Zoo

Come see the cats in action, literally! Cheetah running demonstrations available to to the public. No registration required.

When are the Cheetah Encounters?

May 26- September 1, 11:00 am & noon- No demonstrations on Wednesday or Thursday
September 6- October 5, 11:00 am & noon- On Saturday and Sunday only

The Traveling Cat Ambassador Program

We will also schedule a 45-minute Educational Assembly which brings a cheetah and several of our other small cat ambassadors to your school. Every effort will be made to insure that students have the opportunity to see the cats up close. However, due to the nature of wild cats, students will not be permitted to "pet" our animals.

Questions? or to register contact the Cat Show at (513) 475-6176 or email catshow@cincinnatizoo.org

Who can participate?

K-12th grade and Adults.
Groups of all sizes are accommodated.

When is the Cat Show available?

October- April, call for availability. Evening programs by special arrangement.

How much does it cost to bring the Cat Show to your school?

First assembly $300, second assembly on the same day, $150.
Weekend, non-school or evening programs start at $800.

Cat Ambassador Program - OH Academic Standards

Cat Ambassador Program - KY Academic Standards

Cat Ambassador Program - IN Academic Standards

Cheetah Days

In October 2008, the Cincinnati Zoo welcomed its newest member of the Cat Ambassador Program, Tommy T. Now the Zoo is inviting visitors to learn more about Tommy T. and follow him as he grows up and learns what it means to be a Cat Ambassador!