Edinburgh Zoo has announced the passing of a cheetah just two months after its arrival at the Scottish facility. The sad news was shared on Wednesday morning, revealing that Cleo, the Northeastern cheetah, had died overnight at the age of five. Despite the efforts of the veterinary team and keepers, Cleo succumbed to a brief illness, with the exact cause of death suspected to be related to liver failure. David Field, Chief Executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, expressed his condolences, stating that Cleo had made a lasting impact on all who had the pleasure of meeting her during her short time at the zoo.
Cleo had only arrived at Edinburgh Zoo on August 1 from Fota Wildlife Park in Ireland, marking the first cheetah to be housed at the zoo in 24 years. Northeastern cheetahs, native to Chad, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, are facing declining populations due to factors such as poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and habitat destruction. Tributes for Cleo have poured in on social media, with visitors sharing their fond memories of the cheetah.
On Facebook, one user recalled seeing Cleo seeking shelter on a rainy day and expressed sadness over the news. Another commenter extended gratitude to the care team and expressed sympathy for the loss. The Edinburgh Zoo website offers additional information for those interested. The passing of Cleo serves as a poignant reminder of the fragile nature of wildlife and the challenges they face in the wild.
This unfortunate event highlights the importance of conservation efforts and the commitment of zoos like Edinburgh Zoo to protect and care for endangered species. Cleo’s legacy will live on through the memories of those who were touched by her presence, serving as a reminder of the beauty and vulnerability of cheetahs and other wildlife around the world.