GULF SHORES — The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo announced two new arrivals, cheetahs Taj and Shani, as the first-ever cheetahs for the zoo.

Taj and Shani were brought in as a part of the Zoological Association of American Animal Management Plan for cheetah conservation. They are currently housed at the exhibit once belonging to the tigers of the zoo and are expected to fill that position for six months or until a new tiger is secured. Both cheetahs are 5-year-old females who were originally a part of the Metro Richmond Zoo in Virginia.

Joel Hamilton, executive director for the zoo, said he is excited to be a part of this conservation effort because of the decreasing number of big cats. There are now fewer than 7,000 cheetahs in the wild.

"It gives us an opportunity to broaden our educational programs to teach people about cheetahs," Hamilton said July 18, "but more importantly teach people about conservation and what's going on in the world with (big) cats."

Ethan Williams, a staff member who has been working with the cheetahs since they arrived at the zoo a week before the public announcement, said they have adjusted well to the Gulf Shores heat but that the staff keeps the feeding room door open on particularly hot days. Williams said the cheetahs will likely need more special treatment when the colder temperatures arrive.

Williams said cheetahs are normally nervous animals compared to other big cats but that he is proud of the progress made with Taj and Shani.

"These two have come a long way," Williams said. "Yesterday, they came right up to us when it was feeding time, so they're already learning and getting used to us."

When discussing specific attributes, Hamilton said they are more "like a house cat" because they are smaller compared to other big cats, and they do not roar. They communicate through meows, purrs and other muted noises.

"But you definitely wouldn't want one of these as a house pet," Hamilton said.

These big cats have been adjusting well to their new surroundings as they lounge in the shade of the palm trees or stroll through the sprinklers to cool off. The pair seemed excited to entertain anyone who walked by as Taj and Shani would approach the side of the fence whenever a person was nearby.

Hamilton also thanked the donors who made these new additions possible and the staff that has assisted with Taj and Shani's transition. He said he hopes that for the time the cheetahs are here that they will inspire the guests "to take an interest in the world around them, Hamilton said, "whether it's in Africa with cheetahs or right in your own back yard."