A lone baby cheetah at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden has found a new family through a unique fostering process. The male foster cub was at risk due to being the only offspring born to his biological mother, which can sometimes lead to issues with lactation. In order to increase the cub’s chances of survival, the zoo’s staff moved him to the care of another mother cheetah, Etosha, who had recently given birth to two cubs at the zoo. The single cub arrived from Oregon and was placed in the zoo’s off-site breeding center before being introduced to Etosha and her two cubs.
The coordination of cheetah births among breeding centers helps facilitate situations like this where cubs may need to be fostered by another mother. The foster mother, Etosha, responded positively to the introduction of the single cub to her litter. She has been observed nursing all three cubs and being attentive to their needs. The staff at the zoo are pleased with the progress of the fostering process and are optimistic about the cub’s chances of survival. The cubs are all nursing from the mother and are gaining weight, indicating that they are thriving under her care.
Cheetahs are currently classified as endangered, with a significant decrease in population numbers since 1900. The worldwide cheetah population has dropped from 100,000 to just 7,000 individuals, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to protect this species. The Cincinnati Zoo has been actively involved in cheetah conservation efforts, partnering with organizations in Africa to ensure the long-term survival of this species. Although the cheetah cubs are being cared for privately, visitors to the zoo can still see other cheetahs on display daily, raising awareness about the conservation needs of these magnificent animals.
The zoo has been successful in fostering cheetah cubs in the past, including one of the most genetically valuable cubs in the North American population. The successful introduction of the single cub to its new foster family is a testament to the expertise and dedication of the zoo’s staff in caring for these vulnerable animals. The fostering process is crucial for ensuring the survival of lone cheetah cubs and providing them with the care and socialization they need to thrive in captivity. It is heartening to see the positive response from both the foster mother and the cub in this situation.
The staff at the zoo are working closely with Lighthawk Conservation Flying, the company that transported the cub from Oregon to Cincinnati, to ensure the cub’s well-being and contribute to its conservation efforts. The zoo is allowing the transport company to name the new addition, highlighting the collaborative nature of conservation work and the importance of partnerships in protecting endangered species. The update provided on the mother and three cubs indicates that the fostering process is going smoothly and that all parties involved are doing well. This heartwarming story of a lone cheetah cub finding a new family at the Cincinnati Zoo is a testament to the dedication of the staff and the importance of fostering in conservation efforts.
