Southwick’s Zoo is thrilled to announce the birth of three cheetah cubs, a significant milestone for the zoo and its animal care team. Born in early May to Nya, a female cheetah from Southwick’s Zoo and part of the Zoo Association of America’s (ZAA) Animal Management Program (AMP), the cubs are healthy and thriving under expert care.

Shortly after giving birth, Nya experienced complications and rejected the cubs in her litter. Female Cheetahs are generally good mothers, even though only 5% of cheetah cubs reach adulthood in the wild. While rejecting cubs is not typical, it is not an uncommon behavior for first-time cheetah mothers. To ensure the cubs’ survival and well-being, Southwick’s experienced animal care staff stepped in to raise them behind the scenes, providing round-the-clock feeding, monitoring, and support for their social development.

“These cubs are already showing off their energy and personality,” said Betsey Brewer, Executive Vice President of Southwick’s Zoo and Board Chair for ZAA. “They’ve kept our team on their toes, and it’s been a joy to watch them grow and explore each day. The work our team has done to care for these cubs is nothing short of extraordinary.”

Over the summer months, they will move into the cheetah habitat for public view, where guests can watch as they continue to develop. 

Cheetahs are listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with fewer than 7,000 individuals remaining in the wild. Through its participation in the ZAA’s AMP, which focuses on population management and species sustainability, Southwick’s Zoo plays an important role in the conservation of this iconic species.

“These cubs represent more than just an exciting moment for the zoo,” Brewer added. “They’re part of a larger purpose—to help secure the future of a species that’s facing real challenges in the wild. At the same time, they allow us to inspire the next generation of advocates.”

Southwick’s Zoo will continue to share updates on the cubs, including names, photos, and videos, on its social media platforms in the upcoming weeks.