Edinburgh Zoo announces the death of Cleo the Cheetah, one month after her arrival at the Irish wildlife park

Cheetah Cleo, who arrived at Edinburgh Zoo a month ago, has died after a short illness.

The five-year-old arrived at the zoo from Fota Wildlife Park in Ireland on August 1 and has already been described as “settled in” to her new home in the capital.

His arrival marked the first time in 24 years that the zoo had housed a cheetah, classified as vulnerable in the wild.

However, on Wednesday the zoo announced that Cleo had died overnight following an illness believed to be related to liver failure.

A spokesperson said she left an “incredible impression” and will be “greatly missed”.

A statement read: “We are sorry to say that Cleo the cheetah died overnight after a short illness, despite the best efforts of our veterinary team and specialist animal breeders.

“In the short time Cleo has been here, she has made an incredible impression on all the staff, vets and visitors who have met her.

“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.

“She will be greatly missed.”