Living Desert mourns death of 14-year-old cheetah
Officials at The Living Desert shared some sad news on Monday as they announced the passing of a 14-year-old cheetah that called the zoo home since 2011.
President/CEO Allen Monroe said Sethunya began showing signs of distress about a week ago, prompting zookeepers to move her into Tennity Wildlife Hospital. Tests showed that she was suffering from severe kidney failure.
Monroe said zookeepers were able to privately say goodbye prior to Sethunya being humanely euthanized.
“We are familiar with the circle of life, but it’s never easy to cope with the passing of one of our beloved animals,” Monroe said. “Her absence will be felt by staff, volunteers and guests, but we take comfort in knowing she was well cared for and lived a long life.”
According to the release, Sethunya was born at The Anne van Dyk Cheetah Centre in Hartbeespoort, South Africa on April 27, 2001. She moved around to different zoos before making The Living Desert her home.
Monroe also said it’s unusual for a cheetah to live to be 14 years old. The zoo’s other two cheetahs, Ntombi and Sethunya’s sister Pula, remain on exhibit at The Living Desert.
