Cheetah Health Dec 13, 2013

We are happy to announce Granger cheetah is doing well following his surgery last week and will be joining Draco and Zabini back at Cheetah Conservation Station.

Cheetah Draco's health, unfortunately, has taken a turn for the worse. He continues to lose weight and refuse to eat. Yesterday, he was examined at the veterinary hospital and found to have both jaw and gastrointestinal issues, which are likely part of what's making him lose weight.

Draco is receiving medications to treat his symptoms, alleviate any discomfort, and hopefully stimulate his appetite. This morning, the Department of Nutrition sent down a number of new food items to try as well as some of Draco's old favorites, to try to tempt him to eat. If he continues not to eat, Draco will have another exam today or tomorrow, which may include exploratory surgery if necessary.

The animal care, nutrition, and veterinary teams are working hard to make Draco as comfortable as possible, and they continue to give him the very best individual care and devotion. We will be sure to keep you updated on his condition.

Related Species:

Continue Exploring

January 08, 2025

A Snow Day at the Zoo

Several inches of snowfall kept the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute closed to visitors, but the animals and their caretakers still had a good time!

December 18, 2024

Amazing Animal Stories of 2024

This year was filled with incredible and heartwarming stories about the animals and the people who care for them. Enjoy a look back at some of the amazing things that happened this year.

October 04, 2024

A Life-Preserving Cheetah Surgery

With the help of 3D modeling technology, a team of veterinary experts successfully carried out a rare spinal surgery on a female cheetah cub.