Four Valentines Day cheetah cubs born at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
The cubs were born to mum Darcy and dad Brooke last month
Four tiny cheetah cubs have been born at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, with mum Darcy giving birth in the early hours of Valentines Day last month.
The tiny cubs are rare Northern Cheetahs, which are part of the zoo's Endangered Species Programme.
In the wild the species is under threat from habitat loss, as well as poachers.
Director of Animals, Dr. Charlotte MacDonald, said: “We are delighted to welcome another set of cheetah cubs to the park.
“Having previously giving birth to Kendi and Tafari in 2024, Darcy is a natural mother. She seems very relaxed and is taking everything in her stride.
“She was reintroduced to our male Brooke on recommendation of the Breeding Programme. In the wild, female cheetahs are solitary and the father has nothing to do with the cubs so now it’s just Darcy is with her cubs and Brooke is in a neighbouring reserve.
“It will be a few weeks yet before the cubs will come out in the reserve, but everything is progressing nicely so far."
“The birth of the cheetah cubs marks another vital step towards conservation of this incredible species.
“Their numbers are rapidly dwindling in the wild and we are thrilled to be able to contribute towards their protection.
“Kendi and Tafari were our first cheetahs to be born in the park and have now moved on to be part of the Endangered Species. Their arrival heightened awareness about the plight of the endangered Northern Cheetah.
“We hope that these four will do the same.”
The cubs are going on display at the park for the first time today.