Prepare for the pitter patter of paws at Monarto Zoo – Kesho the Cheetah is pregnant!
The adorable addition are due this month, and will be the second litter of cubs Kesho has birthed in two years.
Monarto Zoo keeper Michelle Lloyd said Kesho had been a model mother during her pregnancy.
“It’s very exciting for us, her first litter are all very healthy and happy so we have high hopes for the new cubs to come,” Michelle said.
“Kesho has been wonderful at allowing us to check her throughout the pregnancy.
She’s quite happy to receive a reward and let us touch her belly or take a blood sample from her.”
Classed as vulnerable to extinction in the wild, these new cubs will be an important contribution to the breeding program working to secure the future of cheetahs.
Kesho’s latest pregnancy is especially exciting as the cubs have been sired by a different male to her litter last year, helping to increase genetic diversity.
The Cheetah is Africa’s most endangered big cat, with an estimated 6,700 remaining in the wild of eastern and south-western Africa.
Monarto Zoo is proud to be actively working on Cheetah conservation and ensuring these beautiful big cats have a long future to come.