Ruuxa is born as the only offspring. In the wild, this would be equivalent to a death sentence.
But Ruuxa is lucky to be born in the “San Diego Zoo Safari Park.”
The attentive caregivers take the mission of providing the newest addition with the best companionship very seriously.
Introducing Ruuxa and Raina!
Friends for life
Normally, a cheetah gives birth to between three and nine cubs. When Ruuxa’s mother realizes that the sweet cub is her only offspring, she does precisely what all cheetah mothers in the wild would do:
She leaves her baby.
Luckily, Ruuxa is under the care of the zoo, and so the little cheetah quickly finds a friend for life.
Raina, a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy, is Ruuxa’s great love. A few hours after their first meeting and lots of sniffing, it’s clear that these two are meant for each other.
Raina’s body language comforts the little cheetah in situations that make him uneasy, providing him with support.
The zoo is filled with their joyful play. The staff can pat themselves on the back – they couldn’t have given Ruuxa a better friend!
Through thick and thin
However, amid all the joy, the zookeepers soon notice that something is amiss. Ruuxa’s front legs aren’t developing as they should.
Ruuxa soon can neither walk nor run, and the only way out is surgery. And who stands at the foot of the operating table during the procedure?
Of course, Raina holds her ground! And even during the healing period, the friend is always there to prevent Ruuxa from getting tangled up in his bandages.
Her companionship is merely the best medicine for Ruuxa. With Raina’s support, Ruuxa quickly regains his strength and soon he can match the speed of any other cheetah.
As they grow older, their friendship deepens. Their effortless togetherness is a beautiful testament to a bond that transcends species boundaries.
Ruuxa and Raina clearly demonstrate how much magic and joy can be found in any companionship.
But then comes the shocking news: Raina succumbs to her health problems and embarks on her eternal hunting grounds.
An era ends, and a new one begins – hopefully with an equally loyal friend.
