Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

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.

Arts & Entertainment

Video: The San Diego Zoo Safari Park's Adorable 3-Week Old Cheetah Sisters

15105365210_ef755e7453_z.jpg
Totes adorbs cheetah cub sisters (via the San Diego Zoo)

This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.

Awwwww!

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park debuted a pair of three-week old cheetah cubs this past week and, oh my goodness, they are about as adorable as you think they'd be.

The unnamed sisters were born on September 1 to Allie, a cheetah with a poor track record of raising her litters, according to the San Diego Zoo. Because of this, zookeepers made the decision to hand rear them.

The cubs are being bottle-fed by humans, and already weigh about 3 pounds each. "Every baby's different, but these cheetahs really seem to be developing quickly in our eye. They are great eaters, they started playing when they were just three or four days old. They could barely walk at that time, so it was pretty interesting seeing them tumbling around with each other," said Eileen Neff, head keeper of the Safari Park.

The babies will be on display to the public for a few hours each day. They'll soon be paired with a domesticated dog as a BFF, as are all cheetahs at the zoo that are used as "animal ambassadors," such as Ruuxa. The dogs' body language helps the cheetahs be comfortable around humans.

Once again: "Awwwwww."

Sponsored message

Related: Video: Cheetah Cub In Little Casts Gets A Visit From Puppy BFF After Surgery
Photos: San Diego's Big-Eared Baby Fox Causes Extreme Cute Aggression

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.

Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.

If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.

Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today