Say hello to Carmelita and Justin. Photograph by Andrew Propp.
The Olympics have made their mark on Washington in a special and furry way. The National
Zoo today announced it has named its two prized cheetah cubs, a boy and a girl, after
the United States’ two fastest runners: Carmelita Jeter, who ran the 100-meter spring in 10.78 seconds, and Justin Gatlin, who ran the same race in 10.64 seconds. They both won medals, Jeter the silver and
Gatlin the bronze.
Cheetahs are known to be the fastest land animals, able to reach speeds of 70 to 75
miles an hour.
Also of note: The artificial limbs worn by South African Olympic runner and double
amputee Oscar Pistorius are called Flex-Foot Cheetah prosthetics, or “cheetah paws.”
The National Zoo’s newest cheetahs were born April 23 and are growing fast. They were
recently given their own yard and are available for public viewing every day at 10
AM and 1 PM.
National Zoo Names Cheetah Cubs After Olympic Runners
Due to their speed, Carmelita Jeter and Justin Gatlin get the honor.
The Olympics have made their mark on Washington in a special and furry way. The National
Zoo today announced it has named its two prized cheetah cubs, a boy and a girl, after
the United States’ two fastest runners:
Carmelita Jeter, who ran the 100-meter spring in 10.78 seconds, and
Justin Gatlin, who ran the same race in 10.64 seconds. They both won medals, Jeter the silver and
Gatlin the bronze.
Cheetahs are known to be the fastest land animals, able to reach speeds of 70 to 75
miles an hour.
Also of note: The artificial limbs worn by South African Olympic runner and double
amputee
Oscar Pistorius are called Flex-Foot Cheetah prosthetics, or “cheetah paws.”
The National Zoo’s newest cheetahs were born April 23 and are growing fast. They were
recently given their own yard and are available for public viewing every day at 10
AM and 1 PM.
Most Popular in News & Politics
See a Spotted Lanternfly? Here’s What to Do.
Meet DC’s 2025 Tech Titans
Trump Travels One Block From White House, Declares DC Crime-Free; Barron Trump Moves to Town; and GOP Begins Siege of Home Rule
The “MAGA Former Dancer” Named to a Top Job at the Kennedy Center Inherits a Troubled Program
Patel Dined at Rao’s After Kirk Shooting, Nonviolent Offenses Led to Most Arrests During Trump’s DC Crackdown, and You Should Try These Gougères
Washingtonian Magazine
September Issue: Style Setters
View IssueSubscribe
Follow Us on Social
Follow Us on Social
Related
These Confusing Bands Aren’t Actually From DC
Fiona Apple Wrote a Song About This Maryland Court-Watching Effort
The Confusing Dispute Over the Future of the Anacostia Playhouse
Protecting Our Drinking Water Keeps Him Up at Night
More from News & Politics
Bondi Irks Conservatives With Plan to Limit “Hate Speech,” DC Council Returns to Office, and Chipotle Wants Some Money Back
GOP Candidate Quits Virginia Race After Losing Federal Contracting Job, Trump Plans Crackdown on Left Following Kirk’s Death, and Theatre Week Starts Thursday
5 Things to Know About “Severance” Star Tramell Tillman
See a Spotted Lanternfly? Here’s What to Do.
Patel Dined at Rao’s After Kirk Shooting, Nonviolent Offenses Led to Most Arrests During Trump’s DC Crackdown, and You Should Try These Gougères
How a DC Area Wetlands Restoration Project Could Help Clean Up the Anacostia River
Pressure Grows on FBI Leadership as Search for Kirk’s Killer Continues, Kennedy Center Fires More Staffers, and Spotted Lanternflies Are Everywhere
What Is Free DC?