Cheetah dies at zoo after short illness

A cheetah has died at Edinburgh Zoo despite vets’ attempts to save it.

Five-year-old Cleo only arrived at the zoo on August 1st from Fota Wildlife Park, in Co Cork, Ireland.

She died exactly two months later, on Tuesday, after a short illness.

It was the first time in 24 years that a cheetah had lived at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) zoo.

A post-mortem examination will be carried out to find out the cause of death.

David Field, chief executive of RZSS, said on Wednesday: “Despite the best efforts of our veterinary team and specialist animal carers, I am sorry to say that Cleo passed away last night after 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 hasn’t been here at Edinburgh Zoo for long, but during that time she has made an incredible impression on all the staff, vets and visitors who have met her. She will be greatly missed.”