Cheetah Cubs Born at Safaripark Beekse Bergen
February 16, 2024
Hilvarenbeek, February 16, 2024 - A cheetah in Beekse Bergen gave birth to her first litter on the morning of February 11th. The mother and two cubs are doing well.
Head animal caretaker Christian Meurrens says: "The cheetah female Daria came from France to the Safaripark at the end of October as part of the management program. Just under four months after arrival, there are already cubs! And considering that the gestation period is about three months. A great addition!"
The litter originally consisted of three cubs. "It's a pity, but it's not uncommon for one cub not to survive the first litter. Such a first delivery takes quite a bit longer, and something may have gone wrong there," says Meurrens.
The cheetahs will remain in the indoor enclosure for the next few weeks. Meurrens: "Unlike many other animal species, young cheetahs are not quickly able to explore the outside world on their own. Their eyes will open in about a week. The duo also needs to grow first so that they are strong enough for the outside world. After a medical check and deworming, we will also find out the sex of the cubs."
The cubs were born in the enclosure on the walking safari opposite the hyena enclosure near the elephant valley.
Studbook keeper management program
Beekse Bergen is the studbook keeper of the European management program for cheetahs. Curator Lars Versteege: "As coordinator of the management program, we have the important task of pairing genetically good animals together so that we have a healthy reserve population in European zoos. We are incredibly happy with these two healthy cubs."
A few weeks ago, as part of the same management program, there was a cheetah exchange with Burgers' Zoo. Versteege: "We've seen that there's chemistry between those two, but whether it will actually lead to a litter... We can only say for sure when the time comes."
Threats
With barely 7,000 cheetahs left in the wild, the species is highly vulnerable. Without action, there is a very high risk of the species becoming extinct rapidly.
Meurrens: "This feline faces many threats. Although the greatest threats are the loss of natural habitat and human-wildlife conflicts. About 75 percent of all cheetahs live outside protected areas and subsequently come into conflict with farmers, and that has its consequences for the cheetahs."
Wildlife Foundation
Beekse Bergen supports Cheetah Conservation Botswana (CCB) through the Wildlife Foundation. In Botswana, the second largest cheetah population in the wild lives. The organization works in various ways to protect the cheetah, including through nature education and scientific research on the species. They also collaborate with local farmers: CCB takes care of some of the dogs that guard the livestock.