A race where cheetahs always win – BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo hosts its annual ZooZoom 5K and Half-Mile Fun Run

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo hosts its annual ZooZoom 5K and Half-Mile Fun Run this Saturday at 8 a.m.

“We look forward to this race each year,” says Zoo Director Phil Frost. “The Zoo is a spectacular backdrop for a 5K race or a power walk. Our race route takes you through the core of the Zoo. [It] has great shade and beautifully landscaped yards—plus you get to catch a glimpse of our bears, giraffes, monkeys and flamingos.”

A portion of the registration proceeds are dedicated to support international conservation efforts to save threatened and endangered animals—especially cheetahs.
Despite reigning as the ZooZoom’s mascot, these big cats are listed as a vulnerable species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Red List.

Native to sub-Saharan Africa, cheetahs reach speeds of up to 70 mph. It’s no surprise they are revered as the fastest land mammal on the planet. While they are most sociable of the big cats, these beautiful creatures hunt mid-sized antelopes during the day to avoid other nocturnal predators.

That competition for food and persecution by farmers protecting their livestock are biggest threats to the wild population. International efforts are underway to help protect this spotted species of big cat.

The Zoo’s donations to cheetah conservation seem more apropos than ever this year. After the death of its 12-year-old male cheetah last October, the Zoo received this pair of cheetahs—13-year-old mother and her two-year-old daughter—from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.

“The ZooZoom comes at a perfect time because our two new female cheetahs just arrived,” says Sam Winslow, assistant director and general curator. “It will give everyone a chance to see our new cheetahs as well as learn more about what they can do to help strengthen their population in the wild.”

Some of the registration fee funds will also go to the Cheetah Conservation Fund in the mother cheetah’s native Namibia.

Online registration online is available here. Adult pre-registration is $19 for Club South members and $22 for non-members. Adult race day registration is $27. Pre-registration for children age 12 and under is $12; children’s race-day registration is $17. Prizes will be awarded to first male and female and in age group categories.

If you’d like a new running to get you race-ready or a feline friend of your own, CAAWS has plenty of adoptable animals.

Although she’s five years old, Copper is still kittenish—active and playful. While she is independent, Copper can also be an affectionate lap cat. While she is content to be an only cat, Copper is willing to share an owner with other felines in a fur-ever home.

Sebastian is a two-year-old black cat with gorgeous, glowing green eyes and his own video on the CAAWS website.

Ginger came to CAAWS as a stray. For a brief time, she lived with her rescuers. In their home, she discovered a penchant for chasing and eating flavored bubbles, sitting on a swing and riding in a car. A bit shy, this five-year-old is easily startled by noises; other dogs and cats are also cause for anxiety. Given her aversion to the unexpected, Ginger is probably best suited to a home without young children. Nonetheless, her quiet demeanor, obedient nature and sweet temperament will make a great canine companion for the right family.

Milo (pronounced Mee-low) is an adorable combination of German shepherd and basset hound. This one-year-old boy is already a star with a video titled Milo’s Ready to Snuggle.

Daisy is an eight-year-old calico. She loves attention. In fact, she will sit still as long as someone is petting her, purring and talking the whole time. This pretty laid-back little lady gets along with other cats.

April is a friendly lab/sharpei mix. She has never met a stranger and loves to run and play at the dog park. This two-year-old has a funny high-pitched “talking” bark that comes out when she wants attention from other dogs; but, she hardly ever barks otherwise. She is fully house trained and knows come, sit, and lay down on command. But one of April’s funniest quirks is: While she acts interested in human food, she won’t eat it, not even if it’s offered. She also does pretty well on lead and would make a great running partner. This pup is full of energy and love and would be a great addition to an active family.

All these pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, heartworm tested and microchipped. Many other adoptable dogs, puppies, cats and kittens are available through Capital Area Animal Welfare Society.