Cheetah Cubs Health Spot On at Monarto Safari Park

Four cheetah cubs at the Monarto Safari Park have passed their first health check this week under the care of vets and keepers. Mother Kuishi welcomed the cubs eight weeks ago.

During the check the cubs were each weighed (tipping the scales between 3.1kg up to 4.2kg), microchipped, vaccinated and given a clean bill of health by veterinarian Jerome Kalvas.

Another exciting part of the health check was discovering the genders of the four cubs. Jerome worked out each cubs gender and the PR team then provided Director of Monarto Safari Park, Peter Clark and CE of Zoos SA (Operator of Monarto Safari Park) with gender reveal cupcakes.

Peter stated, “We are excited to announce that Kuishi’s cubs are two girls and two boys! This is particularly important as we can now start to form a group of males (with Qailee’s single male) to roam the plains of our new Cheetah habitat in Wild Africa, which spans nearly 50 acres.“

''A few weeks ago, our first group of three cubs were sexed as two females and one male. We have been eagerly waiting to find out the sex of Kuishi’s four cubs because we hoped to form a coalition – which is normally made up of a group of male Cheetah, in most cases siblings.''

“Female Cheetah are solitary, however males form a brotherhood with other Cheetah of a similar age which can stay together for life.

Wild Africa is a 550 hectare addition to Monarto Safari Park which is currently under construction. The new space will include a luxury hotel and resort with views across bustling waterways. It was also include a range of safari experiences such as the new cheetah habitat.

While Kuishi and her cubs continue to bond in an off display area, guests visiting Monarto Safari Park will be able to view the cubs born to Qailee. Guests may be able to spot them from the Zu-Loop bus or cheetah viewing platform.

Assistant Curator of Carnivores, Jon Allon, said the trio did an amazing job, sticking close to mum as they pounced, prowled and played around their new space.

“The girls were more confident than their brother, leading the way and exploring all the different areas of their habitat,” he said.

"It was really exciting to see them out and about as a family, particularly the cross-fostered girl - she is doing really well."

Zoos SA intend to run a naming competition for some of the seven cubs in the coming weeks.