Four Male Cheetah Cubs Born at San Diego Zoo

The first cheetah births at the facility since 2020.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The San Diego Zoo Safari Park has announced the births of four male cheetah cubs to first-time mother Kelechi. The cubs, born on January 24, are the first cheetahs to be born at the facility since 2020.

Why it matters

Cheetahs are an endangered species, so the birth of four healthy cubs at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an important conservation milestone. The zoo's successful breeding program helps sustain the cheetah population and educates the public about the importance of protecting this vulnerable species.

The details

The four male cheetah cubs are currently bonding with their attentive mother Kelechi in a private den at the zoo's Carnivore Conservation Center. As the cubs grow more curious and active, they will begin to emerge and interact with zoo guests as part of the facility's Ultimate Safari experience.

  • The cubs were born on January 24, 2026.
  • This is the first cheetah birth at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park since 2020.

The players

Kelechi

The first-time mother cheetah who gave birth to the four male cubs.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The zoo facility in San Diego, California that announced the births of the four cheetah cubs.

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What’s next

The zoo plans to continue monitoring the cubs' development and provide opportunities for guests to view the growing cheetah family as part of the Ultimate Safari experience.

The takeaway

The birth of these four cheetah cubs at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an important contribution to the conservation of this endangered species, and demonstrates the zoo's commitment to breeding programs that help sustain vulnerable animal populations.