The Cincinnati Zoo plans to build a $1.5 million cheetah breeding facility next year in Warren County.
The zoo plans to use $1 million in state funds and $500,000 raised by the zoo to move the facility from Clermont County to Warren County.
The cheetah facility is to be built on a farm near the Miami Valley gaming racino where the zoo has already developed a wetlands for migrating birds. The development is part of the I-75 Plan expected to be approved this month by the Warren County Regional Planning Commission.
“There would be tours and a cheetah run,” Communications Director Michelle Curley said. The cheetah run features cheetahs, said to be the world’s fastest animals, chasing a lure for 100 yards.
There are no plans for other features promoted by local leaders, including a facility like the Wilds outdoor wildlife park operated by the Columbus Zoo.
Previously the zoo had said the move was predicated on sale of the Mast Farm in Clermont County. But the state funding through the state facilities construction commission enables the zoo to move forward before selling the Clermont County farm.
