Litter of cheetah cubs welcomed at the Toronto Zoo
Posted January 30, 2022 5:04 pm.
Last Updated January 30, 2022 5:06 pm.
Emarah is now a first-time mom after giving birth to three cheetah cubs this past Monday, the Toronto Zoo announced.
The 4.5-year-old cheetah was part of the last litter born at the Toronto Zoo. Her brothers and sister, the zoo said, have been moved to other accredited zoos as part of the Species Survival Plan Program through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
On January 24th, Emarah gave birth to four cubs in the early morning hours, but unfortunately, one of the babies did not survive.
The zoo said the three remaining cubs appear to be doing well, and have been seen nursing from their mother.
We are excited to announce the arrival of three cheetah cubs born Monday Jan 24! ???? Emarah, a 4.5-year-old cheetah and first-time mom, gave birth in the early hours of the morning after a 92-day pregnancy.
Read more: https://t.co/Ukcjh5zkkF ???? #TOCheetos #FlamingHotCheetahs pic.twitter.com/eNHD9M0jal
— The Toronto Zoo (@TheTorontoZoo) January 28, 2022
Toronto Zoo CEO Dolf DeJong said in a statement that Emarah’s three little ones are now part of the Cheetah Species Survival Plan Program, “which is critical to ensuring future populations of these beautiful animals for generations to come.”
Cheetah populations in the wild are declining, and the zoo said there’s an estimated 7,000 of them in the world.
“The primary threats to cheetahs in the wild are the poaching of cheetah cubs to meet demand for illegal pets and human wildlife conflict,” the zoo said.
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The zoo said staff are monitoring the family by using cameras, calling Emarah “a real natural mom,” adding she’s been very attentive and has been grooming the cubs.
For now, it said the family will remain in their indoor habitat, and after they are vaccinated, checked by vets, and several months old, they’ll be introduced to the outdoor habitat where guests can visit them.
Sunday snugs with Emarah and her cubs ???????? #FlamingHotCheetahs #TOCheetos pic.twitter.com/e7jvqZUmdd
— The Toronto Zoo (@TheTorontoZoo) January 30, 2022
