Cheetahs have historically been among the most challenging felids to maintain in captivity, with welfare advances in recent decades dramatically improving longevity and reproductive success.
Cheetah welfare in captivity has been transformed by understanding the species extreme sensitivity to chronic stress. The key welfare interventions are spatial — large off-exhibit exercise areas, visual screening from public, and careful management of conspecific proximity. Cheetahs can be housed in compatible pairs or small groups, but introduction must be carefully managed. Reproductive success is now achievable in well-managed populations, and AZA Species Survival Plan populations are contributing to genetic management of this vulnerable species.