Three cheetah cubs born via Caesarean section at Pretoria clinic

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Cape Town - Staff at the University of Pretoria’s Wildlife Clinic and Veterinary Academic Hospital worked together to ensure the successful birth of three healthy cheetah cubs via Caesarean section last week.

Cheetah females have a gestation period of approximately 90-98 days, the university said, adding that domestic cats were known for having the ability to pause labour and resume it a few days later.

 

Domestic cats are known for having the ability to pause labour and resume it a few days later. This phenomenon is not well studied in wild felids, and due to the unique challenges in intensive monitoring of labour in wild cats, the decision was taken to not risk the lives of the mother and the cubs and to rather proceed with a Caesarean section.

“While Juno was recovering from the anaesthetic the team ensured the cubs had an opportunity to suckle from their cheetah mom. “These first few sips of milk are vitally important, as it contains antibodies and strengthens the cubs’ immune system.

Source: 1, 2

[sarahb 17,188]

Poor cheetah, just wakes up to find 3 cubs suckling from her she has no memory of giving birth to