Obituary – Death – Cause of death News :

The First Cheetah at Edinburgh Zoo in 24 Years Passes Away

Cleo, the five-year-old Northeast African cheetah, was a captivating sight at Edinburgh Zoo. Arriving from Fota Wildlife Park in Ireland on August 1, she quickly became the zoo’s star attraction, gracing Lothian buses as part of an exciting promotional campaign. Her introduction on August 4 was met with enthusiastic crowds, eager to witness the zoo’s first cheetah since 2000. The hope was to see Cleo thrive and even become a mother in the future, with plans to introduce a male companion later this year.

However, Cleo’s journey at the zoo was cut tragically short. Removed from public view on August 28 due to medical concerns, she made a brief recovery and returned to her enclosure, only to pass away on October 1. The cause of her untimely death is suspected to be liver failure, leaving staff, visitors, and fans mourning a creature who had made a significant impact in such a short time.

David Field, Chief Executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, expressed the collective sadness, stating that Cleo, despite her brief stay, had left a lasting impression on everyone. The redesigned enclosure, with its open spaces and climbing platforms, was meant to be a haven for Cleo and her future offspring. Her death serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance required in wildlife conservation efforts.

Cleo’s passing resonated with animal lovers, who took to social media to express their sadness. Her story highlights the vulnerability of the Northeast African cheetah, a subspecies facing threats like poaching, illegal trade, and habitat loss. While Cleo’s time at Edinburgh Zoo was brief, she remains a symbol of the ongoing struggle to preserve these magnificent creatures for future generations.

What Happened to Cleo, the First Cheetah at Edinburgh Zoo in 24 Years?

It’s a sad day for animal lovers and the staff at Edinburgh Zoo. Cleo, the first cheetah to grace the zoo in nearly a quarter of a century, has passed away just two months after her arrival. Cleo, a five-year-old Northeast African cheetah, was brought to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) attraction from Fota Wildlife Park in Ireland on August 1. The zoo had exciting plans to breed cheetahs, marking a significant moment for visitors and conservationists alike.

Introduced to the public on August 4, Cleo quickly became a star at the zoo. Her face was even featured on the side of Lothian buses as part of the RZSS’s promotional campaign for this “exciting” new attraction. However, the excitement was short-lived as Cleo was removed from public view on August 28 for “medical reasons” but returned shortly after, seemingly thriving and engaging with visitors once again.

Sadly, Cleo’s journey at Edinburgh Zoo ended abruptly on October 1, with her death believed to be related to liver failure. David Field, the Chief Executive of RZSS, expressed his sorrow, stating that despite the efforts of the veterinary team and specialist animal carers, Cleo succumbed to a short illness. The zoo is awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of death.

How Did Cleo Impact Edinburgh Zoo and Its Visitors?

Even though Cleo wasn’t at Edinburgh Zoo for long, she made a lasting impression on the staff, vets, and visitors who had the chance to meet her. Her arrival marked the first time a cheetah had been at the zoo since 2000, and she quickly became a beloved figure among those who visited. Cleo spent her initial days adapting to her new surroundings before going on public view, much to the delight of visitors.

The zoo had ambitious plans to bring in a male cheetah later in the year, with hopes of welcoming the first cubs by the following year. As part of this plan, the RZSS redesigned a large enclosure, previously home to red river hogs, to provide Cleo and her future mate with ample space. The enclosure featured open areas, tree trunks for climbing, and platforms for the cheetahs to survey their surroundings, with designated spaces for cubs if the breeding plans were successful.

What Were the Circumstances Surrounding Cleo’s Medical Condition?

Animal lovers and visitors expressed their concerns when Cleo was removed from view for medical reasons less than a month after her arrival. The cheetah enclosure was closed as vets kept a close watch on Cleo, who had been put on some new medication. Unfortunately, officials were unable to provide further details about her condition at the time.

Cleo seemed to make a full recovery, engaging with visitors once again after a brief hiatus. However, zoo officials were still waiting for the results of medical tests when she unexpectedly passed away. Fans who had the chance to see Cleo during her short stay at Edinburgh Zoo took to social media to express their sadness. One Facebook post read, “That’s so sad. I saw her a couple of weeks ago on a very wet, horrible day, and she was keeping cozy in her hut. Such a shame. Thinking of everyone.”

Why Is the Northeast African Cheetah Considered Vulnerable?

The Northeast African cheetah, scientifically known as Acinonyx jubatus soemmeringii, is one of four subspecies of cheetah. It is considered vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In the wild, these majestic animals face several threats, including poaching, illegal wildlife trade, hunting, habitat loss, and a lack of prey.

Conservation efforts are crucial in protecting these animals and ensuring their survival for future generations. Edinburgh Zoo’s initiative to breed cheetahs was a step in the right direction, aiming to contribute to the preservation of this vulnerable species. Sadly, Cleo’s untimely death highlights the challenges faced in conservation efforts and the importance of continuing to support and protect endangered wildlife.

What Was the Public Reaction to Cleo’s Passing?

News of Cleo’s passing was met with an outpouring of grief and support from the public. Many visitors who had the chance to see her during her short stay at the zoo shared their memories and condolences on social media. One visitor wrote, “I’m so devastated to read this. Cleo was such a beautiful cat, and for the short time she was at the zoo, we loved seeing her.”

Others echoed similar sentiments, expressing their sadness and gratitude for the opportunity to see such a magnificent animal up close. Cleo’s story resonated with many, reminding us of the importance of conservation efforts and the impact animals can have on our lives, even in a short period.

What Are the Next Steps for Edinburgh Zoo Following Cleo’s Death?

In the wake of Cleo’s passing, Edinburgh Zoo remains committed to its conservation efforts and plans to continue its initiative to breed cheetahs. The zoo is likely to reassess its strategies and approach to ensure the well-being of any future animals brought into the program. While Cleo’s death is a significant loss, it serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in wildlife conservation and the need for continued support and dedication.

The zoo is expected to work closely with veterinary experts and conservationists to learn from this experience and improve their care and management of endangered species. As the zoo moves forward, it will undoubtedly carry the lessons learned from Cleo’s time there, using them to enhance their conservation efforts and ensure the success of future programs.

In conclusion, Cleo’s brief stay at Edinburgh Zoo left a lasting impact on both humans and animals alike. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance of wildlife conservation and the importance of continued efforts to protect and preserve vulnerable species. While her time at the zoo was short, Cleo’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire and motivate future conservation initiatives.

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This expanded article dives into Cleo’s life and her impact on the Edinburgh Zoo, while also addressing the broader issues of conservation and public reaction. The clickable links are embedded within sentences to provide readers with additional resources for further reading, enhancing the depth and engagement of the content.