Animal Ark, 1265 Deerlodge Road in Reno, announces the upcoming events:
A cheetah run that showcases big cats racing off-leash will be at 5 p.m. Sept. 7. The cost is $40 for adults; $35 for seniors and $30 for children ages 10-16. Children must be at least 10 or older to attend. Reservations are required.
The nature center’s annual Out of Africa gala celebration will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sept. 21 and will feature Mary Wykstra, a cheetah conservationist working in Kenya. There will be a cheetah run, silent auction, African cuisine, wine and beer. Tickets cost $125 each; tables of 10 can be reserved for $1,000. Private tours are available for an extra $75 per person.
Two harvest festivals are planned from 10:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 4 and 18, when attendees can watch predators open pumpkins that contain treats. Tickets cost $15 for adults; $13.50 for seniors and $12 for children. Admission is free for children ages 2 and younger.
For more information or to make reservations for the cheetah run, go to www.AnimalArk.org, or call 775-970-3111, or email info@AnimalArk.org.