In October last year, Sansa, the five-year-old cheetah, gave birth to five cute little bundles of fur at the Cango Wildlife Ranch and Conservation Centre in Oudtshoorn, which forms part of the Cheetah Preservation Foundation non-profit organisation.
A very pregnant Sansa opted to leave her comfy and secure night quarters and set up nest in a dense but low canopy of spekboom, where she gave birth. Thankfully, the weather remained warm and constant, and mom made the entire process look easy.
The cubs stayed with her for the first two weeks, consuming enough colostrum to ensure they were healthy with strong antibodies.
They then moved to the facility’s hand-raising centre, where an experienced team of carers work around the clock to ensure optimal care.
Sansa is a strong and healthy cheetah, who has the most amazing relationship with her carer, Riette Koortzen. So much so that Riette is able to give her regular examinations that she willingly allows, including full body checks for injuries or sores, (there are a lot of Acacia trees at the reserve), administering injections for vaccinations and pest control procedures.
Sansa welcomed Riette’s presence, even with her new-born cubs. She was able to visit regularly to check on them, and Sansa would often get up and leave her cubs with Riette while she went to drink or eat.
The cubs (two boys and three girls) already have distinct personalities, according to their doting carers.
Of the boys, Xavier is the largest, darkest and fluffiest. He is the explorer of the group, and feeding time is his best time of day. Xion, the second largest, is already known for his strong will and determination.
Of the girls, Xara is almost always the first one to fall asleep and, by the time she is ready to rough-house, her siblings are well on their way to dreamland. She is very easy-going with occasional bursts of mischief. Xena has a white-tipped tail, is feisty and has the strongest personality of the three girls. Xyla, the smallest of the litter, is very playful.
Most importantly though, all are in perfect health, as is their remarkable mom.
