Dogs Help Cheetahs in Zoos Relax
chill out: to relax or calm down
In US zoos from New York to San Diego, cheetahs and dogs are becoming best friends. Cheetahs are known to be nervous animals. But, interestingly, dogs can help them chill out.
It all started with a scientist named Laurie Marker. Back in 1976, she took care of a lonely cheetah cub called Khayam. Without another cheetah to keep Khayam company, Marker had a unique idea. She introduced Khayam to a Labrador, and it worked! The cheetah and the dog quickly became best friends.
Nowadays, if a cheetah is orphaned, many zoos will give it a dog as a ‘substitute sibling’. This friendship makes the Cheetahs feel less stressed. This is important, as the world’s cheetah population has fallen to less than 7,000.
Sample sentences
1. After a long day of work, I just want to chill out on the couch.
2. My cat helps me chill out when I’m feeling anxious.
3. It’s nice to chill out in the park on a sunny day.
Read More:
An Emotional Support Dog Is the Only Thing That Chills Out a Cheetah