Animal Life - Cheetah Cubs
Born April 8 at the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia.
As I post this, you can hear birds in the background and it's very soothing. The cubs are feeding with mom in the den. They are old enough to go out into the yard, so if you don't see them, check back.
Mom is Echo, a five year old cheetah. Wild cheetahs typically live 8-10 years old, whereas in human care they can live 12-15 years.
At six weeks old, the cubs are strong enough to follow mom on the hunt. At about six months, mom captures live prey for the cubs to practice killing, and shortly thereafter will leave them on their own. A sibling group will stay together for another six months before the females leave. Males stick together for life while females lead solitary lives.
Cheetahs in the wild are considered vulnerable, a step below endangered.
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