Cincinnati Zoo’s program for fostering feline cubs once again showcases the unconditional love in the animal kingdom. The bond between a cheetah cub and its new caretaker family illustrates a heartwarming animal adoption driven by biological pragmatism and necessity.
The young male cheetah established a close relationship with two fuzzy siblings in June, not due to tragedy or hardship separating it from its mother, but rather being placed under the nurturing care of a new surrogate mother on a cozy bed of hay. This compassionate adoption was born out of biological practicality and need.
Michelle Curley from the Cincinnati Zoo shared insights into the cub’s previous circumstances, explaining why the cub’s biological mother was unable to care for it and how the cub would not have survived without intervention.
“In the same litter, another cub had died, leaving the remaining cub unable to provide enough stimulation for the mother to produce milk,” she told Epoch Times. “Without human intervention to hand-rear or cross-foster the cheetah cub, it would not have survived.”
The selected cheetah mother, Etosha, who recently gave birth to two cubs in early last month, was assisted by an external breeding facility in collaboration with similar facilities nationwide to address such situations. Keeping the birth times close ensures that the cubs are of approximately the same age, facilitating potential swapping if necessary.
Curley explained that with proactive measures taken by zoo staff, the new cub seamlessly integrated into Etosha’s family. Upon the cub’s arrival from Oregon to the Cincinnati Zoo, caretakers introduced it to Etosha and her offspring by placing it on her straw bed and rubbing it with the urine and bedding of the other cubs to help it quickly assimilate.
Results? “All is well!” said Curley. “The cubs have accepted the new addition as one of their own, and the cheetah mother has been diligently caring for all three little ones.” As Etosha continues to nurture the blended group of cubs, they are thriving and gaining weight.
A video released by the zoo tells the heartwarming story of the successful cross-fostering of the mismatched cheetah cub, showcasing Etosha’s unconditional motherly love to the world.
Tom Tenhundfeld, head of the zoo’s breeding center, expressed on the zoo’s website, “We have successfully introduced cubs before, including those with the highest genetic value in the North American population. This introduction went smoothly. Good job, plenty of cheetahs have been cross-fostered!”
Overall, the touching tale of the cheetah cub finding a new family at the zoo serves as a testament to the remarkable bonds and care found in the animal world, showcasing the power of love and nurture transcending species boundaries.