Smithsonian's National Zoo Welcomes Two Newborn Cheetah Cubs

Mar. 15, 2025

“Seeing Amani successfully care for this litter — her first — with confidence is very rewarding,” Adrienne Crosier, a cheetah biologist at the NZCBI, said in a statement. “Being able to watch our cheetah family grow, play, and explore their surroundings is incredibly special.”

Smithsonian’s National Zoo/YouTube

Those interested in seeing Amani and the cubs in real-time can view the NZCBI’scheetah cub cameralive stream, which shows the animals in their den.

“We hope this experience brings Cheetah Cub Cam viewers joy and helps them feel a deeper connection to this vulnerable species,” Crosier added.

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The SSP paired Amani and Asante this summer, and the animals bred naturally on July 2 and 3, according to the NZCBI’s release. Veterinarians confirmed Amani’s pregnancy on Aug. 8 after keepers trained her to participate in ultrasounds voluntarily. The zoo said the two cheetah cubs are a “significant addition to the Cheetah SSP.”

The zoo has seen 17 litters of cheetah cubs born at its campus in Front Royal, Virginia, since 2007.

source: people.com