Cheetah siblings who have just arrived from Christchurch, New Zealand.

The two year old brothers from Orana Wildlife Park started settling into their spacious new home on June 9. And like the tiger exhibit next door it is way above and beyond international standards.

The large exhibit is designed and built by Symbio general manager Matt Radnidge who is renowned for creating new homes for big cats and other animals that are ahead of their time. His motive is to help save more species from extinction and give them the best, biggest and most realistic home possible. The new reptile house is another example.

“We have had really good feedback about the quality and the aesthetics of the whole exhibit,” he said.   

The latest arrivals are the fastest accelerating land animal on earth. They can reach 113km/h and are expected to be a big hit during the school holidays. The cheetahs are taller and larger than many think. Mr Radnidge said they were lean and had long legs built for speed.

“I think they can do zero to 100km/h in three seconds. There are not many cars that can do that,” he said

“They are absolutely striking animal. And they are very regal when they are sitting there looking into the sun. And everyone’s comments have been extremely positive. 

Mr Radnidge said he had wanted cheetahs for years as part of his long term plan for the park but started building the exhibit when he knew he could source two of the big cats around 12 months ago.

“We are long term thinkers,” he said.

“We don’t make rash decisions. We want to make sure everything is as sustainable as is possible from all aspects. We plan long and hard and I think it has been really successful.”

Animal conservation and species survival are always the Radnidge family’s primary aim. 

“Our role is two hold these two brothers until they are required in the breeding program,” Mr Radnidge said.

“Each facility has a different role to play and that is what we are doing at this stage.”