Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Welcomes Five Cheetah Cubs, Livestreamed to the World
On October 5, five cheetah cubs were welcomed at the Smithsonian's Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia. The proud first-time mother, Zura, who is 5 years old, and the father, Flash, aged 9, have healthy offspring that started climbing on their mother right from day one. On October 9, Zura stepped out of the den briefly to eat and drink, a typical behavior noted by cheetah biologist Adrienne Crosier. Although the facility is not open to the public, the cubs can be seen through a live camera. At six weeks, the care team will weigh, identify, and examine the cubs. With these births, the institute's total reaches 90. Cheetahs are classified as vulnerable, with their numbers decreasing by over 90% since 1900.
Key facts
- Five cheetah cubs were born on October 5 at the Smithsonian's Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia.
- The mother, Zura, is a 5-year-old first-time mother; the father, Flash, is 9 years old and has sired seven previous cubs.
- The cubs are livestreamed via the Cheetah Cub Cam, as the Front Royal facility is closed to the public.
- Zura left the den on October 9 to eat and drink for the first time since giving birth, a normal behavior.
- The cubs will gain about 50 grams daily and begin following Zura outside after three to four weeks.
- At six weeks, the cubs will receive vet exams, vaccinations, and transponder implants; staff will also mark them with shave marks.
- The births bring the institute's total to 90 cheetah births from 21 litters.
- Cheetahs are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with populations declining over 90 percent since 1900.
Entities
Artists
- Adrienne Crosier
- Carlyn Kranking
- Navi Pillay
Institutions
- Smithsonian's Conservation Biology Institute
- Smithsonian magazine
- International Union for Conservation of Nature
- Association of Zoos and Aquariums
- Cheetah Species Survival Plan
Locations
- Front Royal
- Virginia
- United States