TheSmithsonian’s National Zoohas some new arrivals!

The zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Front Royal, Virginia, has welcomed a litter of five cheetah cubs, born to 8-year-old cheetah mom Echo, as stated in apress release.

“The cubs appear to be strong, active, vocal and eating well,” the zoo announced in the release.

NZCBI announced that the five cubs were born on Sept. 12. A sixth cub was also born but unfortunately did not survive.

The cubs were born to mom Echo on Sept. 12.Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Litter of Five Cheetah Cubs Are Born at Front Royal Campus, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

According to the release, second-time mom Echo was discovered to be pregnant with the litter on July 28. The cheetah mom, who was born at White Oak Conservation in Florida in 2015, previously gave birth to four cubs in 2020.

Litter of Five Cheetah Cubs Are Born at Front Royal Campus, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Echo and her five cubs can currently be viewed live on theCheetah Cub Camin their den as they continue to spend precious bonding time together.

The litter can currently be viewed live on the Cheetah Cub Cam.Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Litter of Five Cheetah Cubs Are Born at Front Royal Campus, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

“Animal care staff will leave Echo to bond with and care for her cubs without interference, but as opportunities arise, staff will perform quick health checks,” the press release continued.

The release added that there are “two potential sires” among the cubs and genetic testing will be performed on the pair to determine the sire “when the cubs are old enough to have blood collected.”

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The Virginia campus provides one of 10 spaces across the country creating sustainable habitats for the breeding of the North American cheetah population.

There are estimated to be only 7,000 to 7,500 cheetahs left in the wild in sub-Saharan Africa, where they are natively found, as a result of poaching, and changes in their natural habitat.

The NZCBI has celebrated 81 cheetah births and currently provides homes for 30 cheetahs.

source: people.com