About the Project

The ZooTrophy Animal-a-Day project began on October 15th, 2013 as illustrator Angela "LemurKat" Oliver began working her way, systematically but selectively, through the alphabet and presenting, via social media, an illustrated animal to the world. Daily.

All pieces are drawn as 2.5 x 3.5 inch collectible cards, using a combination of polychromos and prismacolor pencils, along with other art materials. Many are still available for purchase ($10) or trade, so drop her an email if anything captures your eye or if there is an animal you wish to request.

It is predicted this project will take her at least two years to complete - with approximately 36 animals being drawn for each letter. She has also used the images to create a collectible hardback encyclopedia series, playing cards and a desk calendar, as well as the ZooTrophy collectible trading card game.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Creature Feature #97: Cheetah

The Cheetah is a creature built for speed: she can accelerate four times faster than a human and attain speeds of up to 120 km/h,  making her the fastest land animal in the world. Her claws are semi retractable, and the pads of her feet are ridged, allowing her greater traction. She uses her tail as a rudder, allowing her to turn sharply and flank her intended prey. To aid her breathing, she has large nostrils and enlarged lung and heartthat help circulate oxygen efficiently. For all her adaptations, however, the Cheetah is vulnerable to extinction. At some point in the past her species "bottlenecked" after the last ice age, losing a great deal of genetic variability, and suffering a decreased sperm count. This, combined with a cub mortality rate of up to 90%, means the future of this feline is by no means assured.
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