4 Cheetah Cubs Born At San Diego Zoo Safari Park

These are the first cheetah cubs born at the Safari Park since 2020.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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San Diego Zoo Safari Park is celebrating the arrival of four cheetah cubs, the first cubs born at the park since 2020. The male cubs were born on Jan. 24, 2026, to first-time mother Kelechi and are currently bonding with her in a private den at the Escondido park's Carnivore Conservation Center.

Why it matters

The births are part of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's efforts to support cheetah populations through the Carnivore Conservation Center and participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan, helping maintain healthy populations of the vulnerable cheetah species.

The details

The four male cubs are now emerging from their den, giving visitors a chance to see them during the park's Ultimate Safari experience. Cheetah mothers are highly attentive, grooming and keeping their young close during the early months, and Kelechi chirps to call the cubs closer when needed. Male cheetahs like the four brothers form lifelong groups called "coalitions" to hunt and travel together, a unique behavior for the usually solitary species.

  • The male cubs were born on Jan. 24, 2026.

The players

Kelechi

A first-time mother cheetah at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

The organization that operates San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and is involved in efforts to support cheetah populations through the Carnivore Conservation Center and participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan.

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The takeaway

The birth of these four cheetah cubs at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an important contribution to the conservation efforts for the vulnerable cheetah species, helping to maintain healthy populations through the park's Carnivore Conservation Center and participation in the Species Survival Plan.