CHESTER ZOO has announced the return of the world’s fastest land mammal, the cheetah, to its collection.

Four male cheetahs recently took residence in an enclosure that has been developed in a style consistent with Central Asia, from where this rare type of Cheetah originates.

They came from two collections in the United Arab Emirates and the zoo hopes they will play their part in a breeding group in the future. A viewing area has been specially built as part of the new enclosure, themed around a Mongolian nomadic yurt and with a glass front, it allows visitors to get up close to the newest arrivals.

Another great way to view these spectacular animals is from the new visitor bridge. Built earlier in the year, the bridge runs from next to the Lions enclosure, over the cheetahs and across to the Twilight Zone.

The enclosure consists of two large on-show areas and three off-show areas, including five heated dens, sand for the cheetahs to bask on and planting from arid regions.

The cheetah is a typical member of the cat family. It is unique in its speed and stealth, and it has non-retractable claws. The cheetah lacks climbing abilities and hunts with vision rather than scent.

The cheetah is listed on the World Conservation Union (IUCN) list as a vulnerable species.

Once widely hunted for its fur, the cheetah now faces threats in the wild including habitat loss. Tim Rowlands, Assistant Curator of Higher Vertebrates, is delighted to welcome the species.

He said: “It’s great to see this unique animal back in the collection, the last time we were home to cheetahs was over eight years ago and their new enclosure fits in perfectly with the Asian Steppe area of the zoo.

“All four cheetahs arrived in May and were keen to explore their new surroundings, they have settled in very well.”

The cheetahs can be found on the east side of the zoo, located next to the Onagers and Camels.