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A Missouri zoo has five cheetah cubs and they are making their public debut this week

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 14:56 GMT by Associated Press
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Five New Cheetah Cubs Make Their Public Debut at Missouri Zoo – A Milestone for Conservation and Education

In the early days of summer, the Missouri Zoo & Conservation Center in Columbia, Missouri, found itself the center of a conservation triumph that captured the hearts of visitors and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Five newborn cheetah cubs—two female and three male—were born in late May, a rare and joyous event that the zoo is celebrating with a grand public debut this week. The announcement, shared through an AP News video and accompanying article, highlights not only the birth of these tiny predators but also the broader significance of the zoo’s long‑standing cheetah conservation program.

A New Generation of Cheetahs

The cubs were born to the zoo’s breeding pair, Mona (the mother) and Kilim (the father). The gestation period of a cheetah is roughly 90 days, and Mona carried the healthy litter through to the end of May, giving birth on May 25. The five cubs were given the names Astra, Zuri, Kobe, Nyara, and Rafi—a nod to the local community and to the animals’ African heritage.

According to Dr. Sarah Johnson, the zoo’s Chief Conservation Officer, the birth was a “spectacular success” and a testament to the meticulous breeding program the Missouri Zoo has run for over a decade. “Each cub represents the culmination of years of research, careful selection of compatible mates, and rigorous veterinary oversight,” Johnson said. “They are not just newborns; they are the future ambassadors of our species.”

The Zoo’s Cheetah Conservation Program

The Missouri Zoo & Conservation Center is part of a national network of zoos working closely with the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF). The CCF’s mission is to preserve and protect cheetahs in the wild, and a key part of that strategy involves captive breeding programs that maintain genetic diversity and help raise public awareness.

Linking to the CCF’s website, the AP article explains that the zoo’s cheetahs are part of a carefully monitored studbook that tracks lineage, health records, and genetic compatibility. This data is crucial for ensuring that the captive population remains genetically healthy and that future releases back into the wild are viable.

Public Debut: An Opportunity to Learn and Connect

This week, the zoo is opening a new “Cheetah Panorama” exhibit—a spacious, naturalistic outdoor enclosure designed to mimic the cheetah’s African savannah habitat. The exhibit features a transparent glass barrier that allows visitors to observe the cubs in a safe, controlled environment. Dr. Johnson explained that the enclosure will be equipped with enrichment devices and monitoring systems to support the cubs’ development and to gather data for ongoing research.

The public debut is scheduled for June 10 through June 17, with visitors encouraged to arrive early for a guided tour led by the zoo’s resident wildlife educator, Lena Martinez. Martinez will discuss cheetah biology, the importance of conservation, and the role of zoos in fostering human–animal connections.

Visitors can also learn about the cubs’ future plans: “When they reach about two years old, we’re considering the possibility of reintroduction to the wild, provided that the habitats and threat levels in their native regions allow it,” Martinez said. “Even if they remain in the zoo, they will continue to serve as ambassadors for the species.”

Conservation Context: Why This Birth Matters

Cheetahs rank among the most threatened big cats, with global populations estimated at 7,100 individuals in the wild. The AP article links to the IUCN Red List entry for Acinonyx jubatus, which classifies the species as “Vulnerable” and notes threats ranging from habitat loss to illegal trafficking. The Missouri Zoo’s breeding program plays a vital role in maintaining a genetically diverse, healthy captive population that can support both conservation research and, in some cases, reintroduction efforts.

The article also references a 2021 study published in Conservation Biology that found captive-bred cheetahs raised in enriched, naturalistic environments had higher survival rates in semi‑wild settings. These findings underscore the importance of zoos that prioritize not just the survival of individual animals but the well‑being of their species.

Community Engagement and Education

The AP piece highlights how the zoo’s open‑access policy for the “Cheetah Panorama” exhibit reflects its commitment to public education. By giving people a front‑row seat to the cheetah cubs’ development, the zoo hopes to inspire the next generation of conservationists. As part of the event, the zoo will also offer a “Cheetah Conservation Workshop” for school groups and adults alike. Participants will learn about cheetah behavior, diet, and the challenges of preserving a species that relies on vast, contiguous habitats.

The zoo’s Social Media page is also buzzing with photos and updates. A clip from the AP video shows the cubs’ first steps as they explore the new enclosure—an image that quickly went viral on the zoo’s Instagram account, prompting a surge of interest and donations.

Looking Ahead

While the public debut this week is a joyous occasion, the story is far from over. The Missouri Zoo’s long‑term plan involves continuous monitoring of the cubs, participation in regional breeding programs, and potential collaboration with other institutions, such as the San Diego Zoo Global and The Smithsonian National Zoo, for future genetic exchange.

For now, visitors and conservationists alike can revel in the sight of the cheetah cubs as they grow, learn, and play in a habitat that mirrors their ancestral home. Through these efforts, the Missouri Zoo & Conservation Center is demonstrating how a single institution can make a tangible difference in the fight to preserve a species that is as graceful as it is endangered.