Gisele Bundchen, Ed Norton, Orlando Bloom, Jack Hanna, and Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida all share something in common. Whether it’s Biological Diversity, Sustainable Development, or Conservation, their call is “Go Green.” Three weeks ago, I received an excited call from my sister, Joanie, who lives in Tampa, Florida. She holds a season’s pass to Busch Gardens, which I have frequented on numerous vacations. It seemed that all Tampa was abuzz with the newest duo attraction – an eight-week baby cheetah paired with a female yellow lab puppy. Busch Gardens received the cub from the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens. It was the sole survivor from a litter of four, and a mother not able to care for her. The Lab came from an Orlando shelter, and the two have bonded. “Male cheetahs are social and often live together in coalitions,” said Tim Smith, one of Busch Gardens’ animal curators. “This social bond will be a very similar relationship, and they will be together for life.” Cheetahs are speed machines, clocking in at 70 miles per hour with elegance and grace to match. Their tear-striped eyes are their genetic imprint. Although in the food chain this may be an uncommon friendship, all indications are they are pals and have been frolicking and entertaining Busch Garden spectators. With the ethnic, racial, and religious wars in the human species, maybe humanity can learn something about harmony and beauty in cultural diversity from a cheetah and a puppy. Cheetahs are listed on US Endangered Species and are also included on the International Union for Conservation of Nature list of vulnerable species. They are now found primarily in Sub Sahara Africa, but historically they inhabited Africa and Asia from South Africa to India. Today, there are approximately 12,400 in the wild with about 200 in Iran. Genetic inbreeding, high cub mortality, human encroachment, and a loss of habitat are all contributors to their decline. Jack Hanna, a celebrity animal expert in conservation of endangered and exotic animal returns annually to Central Florida and has become a highlight attraction at Busch Gardens on these visits. He’s been a guest on the “Late Show – David Letterman,” Fox News, and CNN Programs. Maybe the inspiration for a yellow Lab came from Jack Hanna, who coincidentally owns one. According to the “Orlando Sentinel,” Busch Gardens conservation and education efforts through the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has donated nearly $100,000 to cheetah efforts in Africa as well as conservation programs for white rhinos, marine animals other species around the globe. So, what’s in a name? Busch Gardens used their Face Book Fan Page to run a contest to name the female cheetah and female lab. The winning name for the cheetah is “Kasi,” Swahili for “one with speed,” and the puppy is “Mtani,” Swahili for “close friend.” Personally, I can’t wait to return to Busch Gardens to see Kasi and Mtani. Another attraction I won’t miss is Derby Lane in St. Pete or the Sarasota Kennel Club. I’m putting my money on a greyhound named “Kasi.”! “Go Green”! By, Susan Sacirbey Face Book at “Diplomatically Incorrect” and “Diplomat Artist” Twitter – DiplomaticallyX THIS BLOG IS DEDICATED TO “ROCKY”, MY SISTER AND BROTHER-IN-LAW’S BELOVED CAT OF 18 YEARS WHO FOUGHT THE HEROIC FIGHT UNTIL THE END THIS WEEK. I’LL MISS HIM ON MY NEXT VISIT TO TAMPA. Related Reports: “Wildlife/UNESCO - Heritage in Danger” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/wildlifeunesco-heritage-in-danger/24012 “Saving the Tiger/World Bank Joins Effort” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/saving-the-tigerworld-bank-joins-effort/23486 More at Ecology-Diplomat - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/ecology-diplomat/most_recent/1