Why Are There Retrievers With Cheetahs in Zoos Across the US? (WATCH)

A surprising yet affectionate bond between cats and dogs could help save cheetahs from extinction in the wild.

In zoos across the United States, the big cats are gaining a sense of confidence and comfort from the dogs, which are placed with the cubs after they’re born.

But more importantly, in Africa, there is a specific dog, the Anatolian shepherd, that is actually saving cheetahs.

WATCH: Ex-Zookeeper Does the Impossible, Trains Captive Orangutans to Return to Wild

“You may see in history that this dog could be responsible for saving the cheetah from extinction,” according to Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo, which is backing with the African program.

(Watch the video below from CBS News)

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