White Oak Conservation
Press Release
November 30, 2018 10:00 a.m.
White Oak Conservation is pleased to announce that four cheetah cubs have been born at White Oak, a wildlife refuge in northeastern Florida owned by philanthropists Mark and Kimbra Walter.
The two female and two male cubs, which have not yet been named, were born last month and are being reared by their mother, Oronsay. The cubs spent the first few weeks of life in their specially built den and recently began exploring outside. They weigh about 300-500 grams each and were born with their distinctive spots.
Cheetahs are a threatened species, with only 7,000 estimated to live in the wild in Africa and Iran. Their numbers have declined drastically as a result of poaching, habitat loss, the illegal pet trade and because of ranchers, who trap and shoot them to protect livestock.
“We are proud these four cubs bring us closer to saving this species from extinction,” Mark Walter said. “Exceptional planning and care are needed to ensure the cheetah’s survival, and days like this make us hopeful for the future.”
Cheetahs first arrived at White Oak in 1985. Since then, 187 cubs in 52 litters have been born at the refuge. The four new cubs are the second litter for Oronsay, who came to White Oak from Busch Gardens. The cubs’ father is Wookie, who was born at White Oak. This is his first litter.
White Oak is dedicated to saving endangered species such as cheetahs and leads global conservation through innovative science, education, training and collaborations.
White Oak hosted a cheetah conference Oct. 22-26, drawing cheetah experts from around the world to share information and strategies on preserving this vulnerable species, which has disappeared from many areas of Africa and Asia where it once thrived.
“Each cheetah born at White Oak is an important addition and contributes to sustaining a global population of these unique cats,” said Steve Shurter, CEO of White Oak Conservation. “This welcome birth event was particularly timely, occurring as White Oak convened international experts to strategize on improving the long-term outlook for cheetahs.”
Facts about cheetahs:
Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, employing incredible bursts of speed in 60 to 70 mph runs to catch antelope, hares or birds.
To communicate, cheetahs make a high-pitched chirping sound that sounds almost bird-like.
Cheetah litter sizes typically range from three to five cubs
Female cheetahs separate themselves and live solitary lives, while males stay together in groups called coalitions.
About White Oak Conservation
White Oak works to save endangered species and wild places. White Oak leads global conservation through innovative science, education, training, and collaborations. We are committed to providing conservation options for many of the species that need them the most. White Oak’s 17,000 riverfront acres in northeast Florida provide a refuge for more than 17 endangered species. Additionally, White Oak works to help and inspire others to support conservation by hosting education, conservation, corporate and family groups for visits, overnight stays, conferences, and meetings. We are an Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) certified facility. White Oak is owned by philanthropists Mark and Kimbra Walter.