Meet our Kangal Dog

Dogs, everyone knows they’re man’s best friend. But did you know they can also be cheetahs’ best friend?

Meet Ayla, our kangal shepherd. Ayla serves as an animal ambassador here at the Indianapolis Zoo and help raise awareness for cheetah conservation.

Their large size, keen senses, intimidating bark and incredible strength make kangals ideal guard dogs. Though the breed originated in Turkey, conservationists have found they’re also effective at keeping cheetahs away from farmers’ livestock in Africa. These dogs are known to work in hot climates and stand between prey and predator as an intimidating presence, keeping the cheetahs at bay. The Zoo works with the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia, placing kangals with farmers to help protect livestock. When the farmers have kangals, they feel less inclined to hunt or trap cheetahs.

Kangals are not a common breed in the United States, which makes Ayla very special! She joined the Zoo’s family 2009 at just eight weeks old, she is now 8 years old. Her size and social personality make her hard to miss!

Visitors at the Zoo can meet our kangal shepherd during seasonal keeper chats in the Plains and learn more about cheetahs and our conservation efforts.