Cheetah Cubs Born at Dickerson Park Zoo
October 21, 2020
News Release
Contact: Joey Powell, Public Relations/Marketing Director
417-833-1570 (office) or 417-860-3303 (cell)
jpowell@dickersonparkzoo.org
For Immediate Release: October 21, 2020
Cheetah Cubs Born at Dickerson Park Zoo
Springfield, MO –Dickerson Park Zoo is proud to announce the birth of three cheetah cubs.
Zoo veterinarian Dr. Stephanie Zec, along with the animal care staff, delivered the cubs by C-section on October 1.
Babs, a five-year-old-cheetah, was bred based on breeding recommendations by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Species Survival Plan. The goal of the SSP is to maintain a robust genetic pool, especially for endangered animals such as cheetahs.
Babs’ pregnancy was closely monitored; however, she was very late term and showing no signs of going into labor. For her safety, and the safety of the cubs, the decision was made to perform a C-section. The cubs—two boys and a girl—are thriving and being cared for by zoo staff, which includes around-the-clock bottle feedings every three hours.
For the safety of the cubs, and to provide the care they need, they will continue to be hand-raised until further direction from the Cheetah SSP. The cubs are not on exhibit, but updates will be shared through Dickerson Park Zoo’s social media.
# # #
Dickerson Park Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, visit www.aza.org.
Back