Washington’s National Zoo is celebrating the arrival of two cheetah cubs, born under extraordinary circumstances.
These three-week-old cubs, a male and a female, are being hailed as a miracle after complications during their mother’s labor almost led to a tragic outcome.
Cheetahs, a species at risk of extinction, are critically important to conservation efforts, so every new cub is a vital addition to the population.
These two cubs, born to a five-year-old mother named Ally at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Virginia, were delivered via an emergency cesarean section after Ally experienced significant birthing difficulties.
Ally successfully gave birth to her first cub but abandoned him in the snow. Then, her labor stalled, leaving three more cubs at risk.
Veterinarians intervened to rescue the abandoned cub and performed a rare C-section to deliver one more cub safely. Sadly, two other cubs did not survive.
“It’s always heartbreaking not to save them all,” said veterinarian Copper Aitken-Palmer. “But we’re thrilled to have two healthy cubs, and Ally is recovering well, too.”
This C-section was only the third ever performed on a cheetah, and its rarity stems from the high risks involved.
During the procedure, Cheetah biologist Adrienne Crosier emphasized the concern for both mother and cubs.
When the female cub was born, she had a heartbeat but struggled to breathe independently for several hours.
Fortunately, both cubs and their mother were placed in intensive care and have since fully recovered.
Today, healthy cubs are under human care and growing rapidly. The zoo shared a first glimpse of them and plans to have the pair on public display by the end of summer.
The cubs, being the first offspring of their parents, hold significant genetic value for future breeding efforts.
The cubs eagerly reach for their bottles at feeding times, chirping and clawing for milk. As their teeth develop, they transition to solid food, starting with soft cat food.
“They’ve got long legs and fluffy hair, making them especially adorable right now,” Aitken-Palmer added.
Cheetah populations in the wild are steeply declining, with estimates ranging between 8,000 and 12,000 individuals.
Zoos in North America, including the National Zoo, are working to establish a sustainable population to help protect the species.
Crosier stressed the importance of each birth, stating, “Every cub is crucial, but we are still far from producing the number needed to ensure the species’ future.”
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