We regret to share the passing of our 12 year old cheetah, Buju.
Buju’s favorite activity was lying in the shade in the middle of the yard with his brother, Beenie. They often mirrored each other, looking like bookends. As the bolder cheetah brother, he would often be first to investigate new items in and around their habitat. In their heyday, they often let ducks live in their habitat for days before they would start stalking and hunting them, which led them to a high success rate. Buju also was the first one to sprint across the yard for a training session; eager to learn new behaviors. As he grew older, he spent more time hanging out with his keepers. His sass will be missed by the zoo staff.
Buju passed away due to kidney disease. Cheetahs in the wild typically live 8-12 years and up to 20 in managed care.
