Seven cheetah cubs at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire have been seen for the first time since their birth in May. New footage captured by keepers shows the cubs with their mothers, Amira and Zara, as they explore their paddock, play-fight in long grass, and chase each other.
First Cheetah Births in 15 Years
The two litters—three cubs to Amira and four to Zara—represent the first cheetah births at Whipsnade in 15 years. They are part of a conservation breeding programme aimed at preserving the endangered north-eastern cheetah sub-species, which numbers only around 6,500 individuals worldwide.
Visitors Can Soon See Cubs
Sarah McGregor, section manager of the predators team at Whipsnade Zoo, said: “After spending their first few weeks tucked away with their mums, it’s fantastic that visitors will soon be able to catch a glimpse of our seven cheetah cubs exploring more of their home at the UK’s largest zoo for the first time.” The cubs have been kept in private paddocks until now but will gradually be introduced to the main exhibit.
Conservation Efforts in Zambia
ZSL conservationists are working in Zambia to reintroduce a group of cheetahs into the Luangwa Valley. Whipsnade Zoo has a long history with the species: in 1967, it became the first zoo in the world to breed and successfully rear cheetahs, with the birth of Jason, Jasmine, and Jacarana.
