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Africa Trail News Archive

Cheetah cubs Ziad and Enzi cautiously approach a large square green container filled with ice. Resting on top of the ice are a pair of bones for the cubs to eat.
Apr. 25, 2023
#CheetahCubdate 9: An Ice Bucket Challenge
The warm weather has brought the cubs new enrichment activities, including a tub filled with ice cubes! 
Mar. 09, 2023
#CheetahCubdate 8: Get to Know the Cubs by Name
As each of Amani's cub’s personality begins to shine through, it’s the perfect time to debut their names. Plus, the cubs have some new neighbors, who are familiar faces to our cheetah fans!
Feb. 07, 2023
#CheetahCubdate 7: How to Enrich and Train Cheetahs
Our 4-month-old cheetah cubs have had a busy couple of weeks! They played on new furniture in their yard, got a taste of a new treat, and had their last cub veterinary exam. Read on for a playful... read more
Jan. 17, 2023
#CheetahCubdate 6: New Year, New Food and the First Snow
Amani and her 3-month-old cubs are entering the new year with new experiences and a clean bill of health. Read on for the full update from the keepers!
Dec. 14, 2022
#CheetahCubdate 5: A Jolly (Ball) Time
It’s been a jolly time for Amani and her two cubs over the last couple weeks! The family received some new enrichment and the cubs had their 9-week exam. Read on for the full Cheetah Cubdate from... read more
Nov. 28, 2022
#CheetahCubdate 4: Feast Your Eyes on These 7-week-old Cubs
‘Tis the season for tasty feasts — even for our cheetah cubs! Amani's 7-week-old cubs tried meat for the first time and had their first vet exam. Get the full scoop in this #CheetahCubdate.
Nov. 09, 2022
#CheetahCubdate 3: Ready, Set, Play!
Amani’s two male cubs are one month old, ready to play and are back making appearances on the Cheetah Cub Cam! Read on to find out just how mobile these cubs are and don't miss two adorable videos of... read more
Oct. 28, 2022
#CheetahCubdate 2: Spotted in the Tall Grass
Amani may have moved her cubs off cam, but keepers are pleased to report the family is doing great! Read on to find out what our cheetah family in Front Royal, Virginia, has been up to in this #... read more
Keeper Becky stands outside on a foggy day holding a cheetah cub. Becky is wearing a dark grey t-shirt, teal N95 mask and light blue latex gloves. She and cub are looking at the camera. The 10-day-old cub in her hands has his mouth open.
Oct. 14, 2022
#CheetahCubdate 1: The First Squeak Peek
Over the past week, cheetah fans and keepers have watched the two newborn cubs and their mother snuggle and bond on the Cheetah Cub Cam. Keepers are happy to report this new family is doing great and... read more
Animal care staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, welcomed a litter of two cheetah cubs to first-time mother Amani overnight Oct. 3.
Oct. 06, 2022
Cheetah Cubs Are Born at Front Royal Campus, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Carnivore keepers in Front Royal, Virginia, welcomed a litter of two cheetah cubs. First-time mother, 4-year-old female Amani, birthed the cubs Oct. 3 around 9:17 p.m. and 11:05 p.m. ET. They appear... read more