Cheetah has surgery at Safari Park; dog is nearby, concerned

Having a close friend in the hospital for surgery can be worrisome.

So when Ruuxa, a cheetah cub, underwent surgery this week at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, a Rhodesian ridgeback puppy named Raina appeared distressed.

The dog and the cheetah - each about 4 months old - are boon companions.

Raina waited outside while the surgery was underway at the park’s veterinary hospital. When Ruuxa, still sedated, was in recovery, Raina was allowed to stand guard.

“She appeared very concerned about Ruuxa when she saw he was sleeping and she couldn’t wake him,” said Susie Ekard, animal training manager at the park.

Raina stayed close until Ruuxa woke up. She licked and nuzzled him and when he woke up, she lay beside him, Ekard said.

The surgery was to correct a growth abnormality causing a bowing of the limbs.

Whether Raina understands that the surgery was a success remains unknown. But she was clearly happy when the Ruuxa’s sedation wore off, Ekard said.

tony.perry@latimes.com