Six Flags Discovery Kingdom receive six new cheetah cubs

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom has added something to the park that is about as quick as it gets.

No, it’s not a rollercoaster.

The park may not have recently added new rides, but it is enhancing the guest’s experience with the addition of six new cheetah cubs.

It is the first time in eight years that Six Flags has maintained cheetahs. Recently, three litters joined the park from the Cheetah Conservation Center at the Metro Richmond Zoo in Richmond, Virginia. There are five female cheetahs and one male. All the cheetahs are cubs, less than 1 year old.

The five females are named Khari, Naya, Vaila, Rey, Zola and Wiay. The girls were originally raised by their mother, so they are not tame enough to congregate with people.

However, Kalahari, only 4 months of age, is being trained by the staff to become Six Flags Discovery Kingdom’s ambassador cheetah. An ambassador animal engages with the park guests while on a leash.

Also being added to the park is the Rainforest Trail. An extension of the fan-favorite butterfly house, the Rainforest Trail features more than 500 free-flying butterflies from around the world, colorful fish and a sloth.

In addition to the Rainforest Trail and cheetahs, there will be a plethora of new experiences this year: Sharks in the Dark,  Backstage Safari, Merlin’s Fins & Friends, Paint N’ Create, Cain’s Lion Encounter and Sal’s Slither & Scales.

“We are excited to continue the park’s 37-year legacy of providing educational and thrilling wildlife adventures for our guests,” said General Manager Kirk Smith. “The Rainforest Trail, new Shark Experience and other recent animal additions solidify our commitment to delivering the most unique and innovative experiences for our guests. From world-class rollercoasters to breathtaking animal presentations, we have it all.”

Sharks in the Dark allows guests an overnight sleep in the park’s Shark Experience amongst the calm shadows of these creatures of the deep. The Backstage Safari will permit guests to go behind the scenes and learn how the park’s animal care specialists care for the animals at Discovery Kingdom. If guests ever wanted to come face-to-face with the park’s famous bottlenose dolphins, Merlin’s Fins & Friends is a perfect option.