Cheetah Offspring at Vienna Zoo Schönbrunn

"Since it is the first offspring for both animals, the cubs make an important contribution to the genetic diversity in the European Endangered Species Program. We are very pleased with this significant breeding success," said Zoo Director Dr. Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck about the cheetah offspring at the Vienna Zoo Schönbrunn. According to the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), cheetahs are classified as "vulnerable." The loss of their natural habitat in the African savanna poses a threat to these fast predators.

Cheetah Enclosure at Vienna Zoo Schönbrunn with Water Moat and Clay Hill

The cheetah enclosure at the Schönbrunn Zoo underwent a comprehensive redesign and modernization three years ago. "Among other things, a new water moat was created as a natural barrier and the glass panels could be removed. This has the advantage that visitors can now observe the mother with her cubs with an unobstructed view. This allows for a more intense experience of the cheetah rearing than before," said Hering-Hagenbeck. During the redesign, an artificial clay hill was constructed, serving the cheetahs as a lookout platform and a hiding place for a den. There, the female safely gave birth to her cubs. The care team immediately recognized the offspring based on the mother's behavior.

Cheetah Offspring at Vienna Zoo Schönbrunn Still Nursing

"In the first three and a half weeks, the cubs were raised in the den. Only after that did the mother lead them outside for the first time," reports area manager Andreas Eder. The young are currently still nursing, but soon the mother will provide them with meat and get them used to solid food. In the wild, cheetah cubs are highly endangered by predators, and only a few reach adulthood. Even in the zoo, the mother remains constantly vigilant, says Eder. "If you listen closely, you can hear many sounds. The female calls her young when they stray too far, and the little ones call out when they feel briefly unsure." Exhausted from their explorations, the cubs snuggle up to the mother and are lovingly licked.

(Red)

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