Cheetah Cubdate #6: The Grass is Always Greener

What does the world outside the cheetah cubs’ den look like? The grass is greener … and very tall! Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute keepers don’t mow a birthing yard until mom reliably brings the cubs into an adjacent yard, so as not to disturb the family.

One way keepers monitor their progress is by looking for the “flat” paths and spots that the cubs play and hide in when they are not in the den. As of today, May 19, the cubs have made it almost to the small yard, but not quite all the way.

So far, the cubs have been in and out of the den. They went back inside around 10:20 a.m., when Echo decided to eat her breakfast. As soon as she was done, she greeted them and called them back outside. Watch them on the Cheetah Cub Cam!