In a tale of resilience and compassion, the Cincinnati Zoo recently mourned the loss of a mother cheetah named Willow, who passed away on March 22 following a rare Cesarean section performed two weeks earlier. Despite the tragedy, Willow’s legacy lives on through her five surviving cheetah cubs.
Following the surgery, Willow showed signs of lethargy and loss of appetite, ultimately succumbing to her condition.
If you prefer not to read the full story,
Skip ahead to watch the video ->
However, her cubs, though orphaned, persevered. “Without the Cesarean section, we likely would have lost both the mom and the cubs,” remarked the zoo.
Shortly after Willow’s passing, Blakely, an Australian shepherd dog and resident nursery companion at the zoo, stepped in to provide constant care and affection to the orphaned cheetah cubs.
Known for his nurturing nature, Blakely allows the cubs to climb on him, aiding their muscle tone and strength development.
Dawn Strasser, Head Nursery Keeper, explained, “His first job is to let the cubs climb on him, which they did as soon as they were put together.
They need the exercise to build muscle tone and get their guts moving.” Under Strasser’s supervision, Blakely is a surrogate father to the cubs, facilitating daily climbing sessions and other interactions.
Blakely’s role will evolve as the cubs grow from a climbing companion to a teacher and role model. This isn’t Blakely’s first time providing support to young animals; he previously mentored a goat named Dale and even taught a cheetah cub named Savanna the nuances of playful behavior.
The five cubs, comprising three males and two females, will remain in the nursery for at least 8-12 weeks.
During this time, they will receive hand-raising and training to prepare them for their future roles as cheetah ambassadors.
While visitors can observe the cubs through the nursery windows, some feedings and examinations will occur privately.
The zoo aims to ensure the cubs receive the best care and attention as they grow and thrive.
Watch the video below:
Read more Wildlife News.
