EDINBURGH Zoo welcomed its newest arrival yesterday, a male cheetah.
The zoo used to be home to another of the world’s fastest land animals, Cleo, who sadly passed away last year.
The zoo has shared an image of the big cat settling in after being moved from ZLS Whipsnade Zoo, which is located in Bedfordshire and holds the title of the UK’s biggest zoo.
They also state that they hope to welcome a female cheetah in the future, opening the possibility for a family of baby cheetahs at the facility.
The zoo’s previous cheetah, Cleo, unfortunately died just one month after arriving at Edinburgh Zoo.
At the time of death, October last year, the zoo stated: “We are sad to share that Cleo the cheetah died overnight despite the hard work of the vet team and keepers.
“Cleo became a quick favourite with visitors and staff even though she was only here for a short time.
“Our conservation charity’s expert teams are still trying to establish what the cause of death is but we believe it is related to liver failure. We will know more after a post-mortem examination.
“She will be sadly missed.”
Cheetah’s are on the IUCN red list of threatened species as their populations are in decline due to poaching, illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss and lack of prey.
Edinburgh Zoo posted to social media yesterday, saying: “The world’s fastest land animal is back at the zoo.
“Four-year-old Billy arrived from ZSL Whipsnade Zoo yesterday and is settling in well.
“You will be able to get a glimpse of him from next week, as we give him time to settle in.
“We hope to welcome a female cheetah in the future.”
Cheetah’s are the fasted land animals in the world and can reach speeds of up to 75 mph.
Billy is one of three brothers taken in by Whipsnade Zoo in 2022, as part of the European Endangered Species Programme.
Though Billy now has a new home in Edinburgh, his brothers Fred and Robyn can still be seen in Whipsnade.
