With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Video: Cheetah Cub In Little Casts Gets A Visit From Puppy BFF After Surgery
Back in June, the San Diego Zoo paired Ruxxa, a 6-week-old cheetah, with Raina, a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy. Recently, Ruxxa had to have surgery on his front legs, and Raina was there to check up on her cheetah buddy.
In a post on the San Diego Zoo's YouTube channel, it's explained that Ruxxa had a growth abnormality in his forelegs. The ulna bones had stopped growing before the radius bones, which caused his limbs to bow. To correct it, Sean Aiken of the Veterinary Specialty Hospital performed surgery on Ruxxa at the Safari Park's Harter Veterinary Medical Center. Aiken was assisted by Christine Molter, D.V.M., and senior veterinarian Jeff Zuba.
Zuba said that this type of abnormality is sometimes seen in dogs. If it's left untreated, it can interfere with walking and cause the animal pain. In Ruxxa's case, they were able to correct the deformity.
Support for LAist comes from
Raina waited for Ruxxa to wake up from sedation, then cuddled up with him after he awoke. The San Diego Zoo often pairs cheetah cubs with puppies, as a domesticated dog's body language and comfort with humans helps the cheetah remain calm. Ruxxa and Raina were paired together after Ruxxa, the sole cub of his litter, was abandoned by his mother. Ruxxa has little casts on his legs for now, but the zoo predicts he'll be playing with Raina again soon.
Like this:
Related: This Baby Cheetah's BFF Is A Puppy
San Diego Zoo's Big-Eared Fennec Fox Causes Extreme Cute Aggression
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Immigration raids have caused some U.S. citizens to carry their passports to the store, to school or to work. But what documents to have on you depends on your citizenship. -
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high.
Best of LAist