Cheetah cubs survive powerful storms, mother's illness at Prague Zoo, but curator warns 'it's still a long run'
September 25, 2026 / 10:57 AM EDT / CBS/AP
TL;DR
- Five cheetah cubs, four males and one female, were born at Prague Zoo on June 18.
- The cubs' mother, Daenerys, gave birth during a period of strong storms.
- Daenerys protected the cubs from the elements, licking water from their fur to keep them dry and prevent pneumonia.
- In August, Daenerys suffered from an intestinal infection, but the cubs have recovered.
- The zoo curator stated that while the cubs are doing well, it may take a year to confirm their long-term survival.
- Cheetahs are a threatened species, with fewer than 7,000 remaining in the wild.
- The number of cheetahs in European zoos has declined by 25% since 2020.