Four male cheetah cubs, the first such litter since 2020, were born to cheetah mother Kelechi at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance announced on Monday.
Kelechi has been bonding with her first litter privately, just as cheetah mothers and young do in the wild. Since they were born on Jan. 24, they have been playing and learning behind-the-scenes in their den at the Carnivore Conservation Center, according to the SD Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
As is typical with cheetah mothers, Kelechi has been attentive to her young during her cubs’ first months of life. She spends much of her time grooming her cubs and keeping them near her.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife AllianceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Four male cheetah cubs were born at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park on Jan. 24, 2026. (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance)
The cubs have been playing and climbing on their mother, growing more curious and active by the day while their mother chirps, calling them closer to her when needed.
After almost two months, the fuzzy cubs are emerging from their private den so guests can view them as part of an Ultimate Safari.
While mostly a solitary species, male cheetahs, just like these four brothers, will form groups called “coalitions” that will hunt and travel together for life.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife AllianceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Cheetah cubs play in their den at the Carnivore Conservation Center at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance)
According to the zoo, these cheetah brothers will play significant role in supporting the genetic diversity of cheetahs the world over. Their genetic diversity can help ensure their vulnerable global population remains strong and healthy, the zoo says.