The male cubs were born in early August at the zoo and caretakers have been making sure the two endangered species are fighting fit.

The cubs were named ‘Mtoto’ (meaning little child in Swahili) and ‘Ushindi’ (meaning triumphant in Swahili).

Due to post-operative complications, the cubs’ mother died after giving birth as she was in the later years of her breeding life.

Zoo veterinarian Dr Bonnie McMeekin said keepers had been working around the clock.

“Keepers have had to take on the role of mother, providing around-the-clock feeding and care since they were born to ensure they have the best chance of life,” Dr McKeekin said.

“Neither cub received efficient colostrum, the first milk containing vital antibodies, from their mother.”

Cheetah supervisor Jennifer Conaghan said Cheetah were notoriously hard to breed as they will only mate with physically capable and socially compatible partners.

“The zoo’s keepers worked tirelessly to introduce mother ‘Malika’ and father ‘Jala’ and these births are an enormous achievement and a huge boost for the regional breeding

program,” Ms Conaghan said.

The zookeepers are hopeful that over the coming weeks the cubs will continue to gain weight and play together.

Once they are old enough they will join the zoo’s breeding program.

Visitors to the zoo will be able to see the cheetah cubs in a purpose-built nursery inside the Zoo Friends building for a short period of time each day over the next four weeks.

dani.volke@ruralpress.com