Cheetah dies at Edinburgh Zoo

5-year-old Cleo had only arrived at the attraction in July

Author: Paul ReillyPublished 2nd Oct 2024
Last updated 2nd Oct 2024

A cheetah has died weeks after after arriving at Edinburgh Zoo.

5-year-old Cleo came to the attraction in the capital from a wildlife park in Ireland in July.

However, staff suspect she suffered from liver failure and passed away on Tuesday night.

A post-mortem examination to find out the exact cause of death is still to be carried out.

Cleo was the first cheetah at the zoo in 24 years and keepers were optimistic of bringing another cheetah to Edinburgh to join her.

David Field, Chief Executive of RZSS, said, “In spite of the best efforts of our veterinary team and specialist animal carers, I’m sorry to say that Cleo passed away last night, following a short illness.

"We 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.

“Cleo wasn’t here at Edinburgh Zoo for long but in that time she made an amazing impression on all of the staff, vets, and visitors who met her. She will be sadly missed.”

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