Witness the Miraculous Arrival of Cheetah Cubs at the Cincinnati Zoo
Birth and Early Days
On Wednesday, December 4th, the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden announced the arrival of two new cheetah cubs, Zola and Lulu. They were born at the Zoo's off-site property at Mast Farm, outside of Cincinnati. Although the exact ages of the cubs are not revealed, they are being bottle-fed by a dedicated team of keepers and neonatal specialists. They spend their days taking bottles of formula and playing with various toys while working on their mobility and socialization with their keepers.These little ones are truly a sight to behold. Watching them grow and develop is a remarkable experience. Their playful nature and curious antics bring a sense of joy to the zoo.
The cheetah cubs are still in the early stages of their lives, and it will be exciting to see them continue to thrive and grow.
Special Companions
The Cincinnati Zoo's cheetah program has made headlines in the past for the special relationships between the cheetahs and the zoo's puppies. Black lab Daisy was adopted in 2022 to be a companion to Rozi, and pup Remus was brought on board in 2019 to help socialize Kris. The zoo has shared many videos and photos over the years of these animal friends playing together, showing the power of companionship.The presence of these puppies alongside the cheetahs helps the cheetahs socialize as they grow, which is crucial for their well-being.
It's amazing to see how these different species can form such strong bonds and create a unique environment at the zoo.
Endangered Species Status
Cheetahs are considered an endangered species due to various factors such as habitat fragmentation in Africa, the illegal pet trade, and human-wildlife conflict. Only about 6,500 cheetahs are left in the wild. The Cincinnati Zoo is one of 10 Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) locations in the U.S. that works on the Cheetah Species Survival Plan. This plan helps to breed more cubs and diversify the species population.By raising awareness and funds through their cheetah ambassador program, the zoo hopes to contribute to the survival of both captive and wild cheetah populations.
It's important that we all play a role in protecting these magnificent animals and their habitats.
Running Speed and Record
Thanks to the cheetahs in the zoo's program, people are able to witness one of the most remarkable feats of an animal - cheetahs running up to 70 miles per hour! One of the ambassador cheetahs still holds the record for the fastest cheetah ever recorded.The speed and agility of these cheetahs are truly awe-inspiring. It's a reminder of the incredible capabilities of nature.
The Cincinnati Zoo's cheetah program allows visitors to get up close and personal with these amazing animals and learn about their importance in the ecosystem.