Meet Our Adorable New Arrivals: Four Cheetah Cubs Born at African Lion Safari!

African Lion Safari is thrilled to announce the arrival of four adorable cheetah cubs! Born on September 10th and 11th, they represent another huge milestone in our mission to protect and conserve this endangered species.

Meet the Proud Parents: Baya and Troy

The cubs’ mother, Baya, is a protective and nurturing mom, known for her attentive care, while their father, Troy, is a strikingly handsome cheetah with a strong presence.

Preparing for New Arrivals: How We Knew Baya Was Expecting

Cheetah pregnancies are a delicate process that are to be monitored carefully. Baya’s pregnancy was confirmed using a combination of techniques, including endocrine analysis, ultrasounds and x-rays, and African Lion Safari is also exploring the potential of using infrared thermography as an option for confirmation.

As her due date approached, Baya exhibited “nesting behaviors” by preparing a safe and comfortable space for her cubs. To ensure the environment was calm and stress-free, staff observed her labour and delivery remotely via cameras.

It’s a boy! (And another… and another… and another!)

Born healthy and strong, African Lion Safari welcomed four male cubs and were given names inspired by Canadian bays: Hudson, James, Fox, and Goose.

The cubs began opening their eyes around day 10, and now, just a few months later, they are thriving and showcasing their playful curiosity every day.

What’s Next for the Cubs?

The cubs will remain with Baya for about a year, during which time she will teach them essential survival skills. Regular health checkups will ensure they continue to grow strong and healthy.

A Collaborative Effort for Conservation

All of the cheetah at African Lion Safari participate in the Zoological Association of America (ZAA) Cheetah Animal Management Program (AMP) to ensure the greatest genetic variability and sustainability of the population. Collaboration like this is key to the success of cheetah breeding and conservation programs.

African Lion Safari has celebrated the birth to over 45 cheetahs—a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff and the cheetah conservation community.

Why This Matters

Cheetahs are classified as vulnerable, with fewer than 7,000 remaining in the wild. Programmes like the African Lion Safari Cheetah Conservation Centre are critical to maintaining genetic diversity and ensuring the species’ long-term survival.

By visiting African Lion Safari, you play a direct role in supporting these efforts. Every visit, every ticket, and every interaction help fund conservation initiatives and gives hope to species like the cheetah!