Although normally I disagree with petting wild animals, the park had strict no teasing, no provoking signs everywhere. The keeper asked us if we wanted to stroke the cheetah. I was really nervous and decided to watch some French tourists do it first before we considered it. After none of the French were eaten, Chris and I went in. Eddie is an 8 year old cheetah which has been raised in captivity. The keeper told us that cheetahs can be domesticated but not necessarily tamed. You had to approach Eddie from behind so his head was facing away from you, and gently stroke his head. Touching is tummy probably provokes the same reaction from house cats but with a lot more blood drawn on your part. Touching the cheetah was bizzare, especially as he purred loudly! He felt soft but his fur feels like oily, almost like a sheepskin before it's been washed and treated. We felt really privileged to be able to touch such an amazing creature.