Tammy has given birth to four tiny cubs, and you’re invited to witness this incredible journey—live.
At birth, they’re completely dependent on their mother for warmth, protection, and nourishment.
Tammy is a first-time mom, and we’ve watched with a mix of joy and nervous anticipation as she learns how to care for her vulnerable cubs. It’s been touching—and at times tense—to see the cubs explore their surroundings, sometimes wandering a little too far before Tammy gently gathers them back.
We connected with the team at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) to get a few of questions answered:
Q: What was the reason for Tammy only having her first litter at 9 years old?
A: HESC follows a natural approach to cheetah breeding, allowing each animal to follow its own biological rhythm. Although Tammy had previously shown interest in mating, earlier attempts were unsuccessful. This time, however, the timing and conditions aligned, leading to her first successful pregnancy and litter at 9 years of age.
Q: How long will Tammy and her cubs remain in the maternity boma?
A: Mothers and cubs stay in the designated maternity area until the cubs are fully weaned, which is typically around three months of age. This setup ensures the cubs have a secure and nurturing environment during their crucial early development.
Q: Are there plans to release the cubs into the wild? If not, what happens to them?
A: The ultimate goal is to rewild and release the cubs once they are mature enough to survive independently, generally at around two years old. That said, the immediate priority is ensuring their health and development. Rewilding is a complex process, and not all cubs may be released. If release is not feasible, some may remain at HESC to contribute to the genetic diversity and sustainability of the cheetah population.
Whether you’ve been watching from the beginning or are just joining in, you can catch every moment of this extraordinary wildlife story unfold.
Don’t miss a moment.