Meet Werribee Zoo’s New Speed Queens: Three Cheetahs Dash Into Their New Home

Sisters of speed call Werribee Zoo home.

Werribee Open Range Zoo has just become a whole lot faster. Visitors this summer will be treated to the rare sight of three female Cheetahs settling into the African River Trail, marking the first time in nearly twenty years that the zoo has hosted a trio of these remarkable big cats.

Arriving from Monarto Safari Park in South Australia and Taronga Western Plains Zoo in New South Wales, the newcomers — seven-year-old sisters Mara and Mapenzi, along with 11-year-old Sansa — are already making themselves at home and showing off the unique personalities that keepers say will delight guests.

Keep up to date with what is happening in and around regional Victoria here.

African River Trail Keeper Lydia Whiteway has been closely observing the trio’s transition and says the cats’ differences are as striking as their spots.

“Mara is quite vocal and confident and has her own mind, while Mapenzi is a little more reserved and shyer compared to her sister,” she explains. “They’re both very sweet-natured and are best friends. Their habitat is located next to the lions, so they are very curious and getting a good look at each other.”

Sansa, the elder of the group, has wasted no time exploring her surroundings. “She’s been watching the oryx and camels in the adjoining habitat,” Whiteway says. “We’re not sure if she thinks they should be lunch or if she’s just a little unsure about them — perhaps a little bit of both!”

While Mara and Mapenzi will continue living together as they always have, Sansa will enjoy her own dedicated “retirement” habitat where she can take life at her own pace.

“Cheetahs have different social groupings, and while female cheetahs are typically solitary in the wild, these two sisters have grown up together and appear strongly bonded,” Whiteway notes. “It’ll be really exciting to see how they interact in their new space.”

Despite being considered geriatric, Sansa is in excellent hands. “She’s an old girl, but our vets and keepers are very skilled in looking after elderly Cheetahs, with our last Cheetah reaching 13 years of age. We’re excited to see Sansa live out her golden years here at Werribee.”

The arrival of the three cats is a significant moment for the Zoo, which is now the only place in Victoria where visitors can see female Cheetahs. Known as the fastest land animals on Earth, capable of reaching 110 kilometres per hour, Cheetahs are built for speed: long limbs, flexible spines and distinctive black “tear marks” that reduce sun glare and sharpen focus during high-speed hunts.

Although they are big cats, they behave quite differently from lions or tigers. Cheetahs can’t roar, but they’re surprisingly vocal, communicating through chirps, purrs and growls. In the wild, they are native to sub-Saharan Africa, yet their populations have plummeted over the last century. With fewer than 7,500 Cheetahs remaining, the species is now listed as Vulnerable, facing threats from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict and illegal trade.

For families looking to visit, summer is the perfect time. During the holidays, children under 16 receive free admission to Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Kyabram Fauna Park. The offer also applies on weekends, public holidays and Victorian school holidays throughout the year.

With three new queens of speed settling into their riverside habitat, there has never been a better time to discover these extraordinary animals up close.

To view ticketing opens and hours for Werribee Zoo, head here.