It was a risk. But it was a calculated risk, and it paid off. Two baby cheetahs were recently born to two separate mothers at the Smithsonian National Zoo, and while it was a time to rejoice, zoologists were also concerned.
According to a Today Show report, when a mother cheetah births just one cub, there is a danger that she won't produce enough milk, and then the cub will be neglected. In order to avoid this situation from happening, zoologists decided to make one mother responsible for both cubs, in an act known as "cross-fostering."
There was a chance that upon meeting an unknown cub, the mother would injure him. But instead, the video shows that the mother embraced her new cub, caring for him immediately.
While these cubs are in good hands, the cheetah population as a whole is in serious decline due to hunting and habitat destruction.
WATCH these furry cheetah babies with their new mom:
Video at link below
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/09/baby-cheetahs-born-at-nat_n_820252.html
According to a Today Show report, when a mother cheetah births just one cub, there is a danger that she won't produce enough milk, and then the cub will be neglected. In order to avoid this situation from happening, zoologists decided to make one mother responsible for both cubs, in an act known as "cross-fostering."
There was a chance that upon meeting an unknown cub, the mother would injure him. But instead, the video shows that the mother embraced her new cub, caring for him immediately.
While these cubs are in good hands, the cheetah population as a whole is in serious decline due to hunting and habitat destruction.
WATCH these furry cheetah babies with their new mom:
Video at link below
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/09/baby-cheetahs-born-at-nat_n_820252.html
