Septuplet Cheetah Cubs Born!!

The Metro Richmond Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of 7 cheetah cubs! Vaila, a second time mother, gave birth to septuplets on November 30, 2018! The Cheetah is Africa’s most endangered cat, and the wild population has drastically declined from 100,000 to only 7,000 individuals. This is a very special birth to us because not only is it a big boost for Cheetah conservation by increasing the captive population, but also a cheetah having 7 cubs at once only happens 1% of the time! In addition, the sire is Kalu, a first time dad who was born and raised here at the Metro Richmond Zoo. The Metro Richmond Zoo works with both The Association of Zoos and Aquariums and Zoological Association of America cheetah conservation management programs. All 7 cubs have had several checkups and their first set of shots. They are in great health and growing fast!! Vaila and cubs are currently in our cheetah breeding facility and are not on exhibit; however, we plan to move them into the zoo sometime in March. We will make an announcement when they can be seen on exhibit. Thank you for your support and stay tuned to youtube for more updates!