Press Release
For Immediate Release
Date:April 5, 2007
|
For More Information
Contact
Cynthia Shipley
Supervisor,
Marketing & Communications
At (416) 392-5938 |
RARE CHEETAH CUBS ARE NEW KIDS ON BLOCK!
April 5, 2007, Toronto, Ontario: They're cute, cuddly, spotted, and very much endangered. Born on November 3, 2006 to Mya and Luke, four cheetah cubs - Emma, Chico, Jose, and Elio - have recently taken up residence in the Zoo's African Savanna where they'll delight visitors over the Easter weekend.
The North American captive population of African cheetahs is managed by a Species Survival Plan (SSP). In the wild, populations have declined due to habitat loss and hunting. Unfortunately, captive populations have been declining as well and are in need of new animals to bring fresh genetic input.
An active member of the African Cheetah SSP, the Toronto Zoo brought in a new animals from the DeWildt Cheetah Breeding Centre in South Africa. The animals were kept in a quiet off-exhibit area to stimulate breeding. After the cubs were born, they remained off exhibit until Mom and Zoo staff were sure they were strong and healthy enough to meet the public.
"The Toronto Zoo has stepped up to the plate to breed this endangered species," says Zoo Curator of Mammals, Maria Franke. "We are thrilled that all of our hard work has paid off with our first litter from these animals."
The Toronto Zoo conducts behavioural studies to improve breeding techniques and monitors females to determine when they are ready to breed and when they are pregnant, on an ongoing basis. Apart from captive breeding, the Toronto Zoo also supports cheetah conservation in the wild through its Endangered Species Fund.
"Emma is the curious cub and likes to investigate everything, while the boys tend to hang out together, although they do interact with their sister" notes Lynda Bongeli, a Toronto Zoo Keeper. Be sure to bring the family out to the Zoo on the Easter weekend and drop by the Zoo's African Savanna to catch these rare cubs at play in their new home.
