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Prague Zoo's Cheetahs Defy Odds: Cubs Thrive
25 Sep
Summary
- Five cheetah cubs survived a severe storm and mother's illness.
- Mother cheetah protected cubs from torrential rains by licking them dry.
- Each successfully reared cub offers hope for the endangered species.
Five cheetah cubs, born on June 18 at Prague Zoo, have successfully navigated a series of life-threatening challenges. Initially, they faced a severe storm shortly after birth, with their inexperienced mother, Daenerys, exhibiting remarkable protective instincts. She shielded them from torrential rains and meticulously licked them dry, preventing potentially fatal pneumonia.
Further complicating their early lives, Daenerys fell ill with an intestinal infection in August. Despite these adversies, the cubs, a mix of four males and one female, are now reportedly doing well. While the zoo curator notes it may take up to a year to confirm their long-term survival, their current healthy state is a significant achievement.
Daenerys, who arrived from France in poor condition, has exceeded expectations, surprising zoo staff with her maternal capabilities. The birth of these cubs is particularly significant given the cheetah's status as the fastest land animal and its critical endangerment, with fewer than 7,000 remaining in the wild. European cheetah populations in zoos have also declined by 25% since 2020.
