Living Desert's Cheetah, Sethunya, Dies

The Living Desert is mourning the loss of a 14-year-old cheetah, Sethunya, who resided at the Zoo since 2011, announced Allen Monroe, President/CEO of The Living Desert

“We are all familiar with the circle of life, but it’s never easy to cope with the passing of one of our beloved animals,” said Monroe. “Her absence will be felt by staff, volunteers and guests, but we take comfort in knowing she was well cared for and lived a long life.”

Approximately a week ago, Sethunya began showing signs of distress, prompting zookeepers to move her into Tennity Wildlife Hospital. Conclusive tests showed that she was suffering from severe kidney failure. Zookeepers were able to say goodbye privately prior to her being humanely euthanized.

Sethunya was born at The Anne van Dyk Cheetah Centre in Hartbeespoort, South Africa on April 27, 2001. She moved around to several different zoos before making The Living Desert her home. According to Monroe, it is unusual for a cheetah to live to be 14 years of age.

The zoo’s other two cheetahs, Ntombi and Sethunya’s sister Pula, continue to be on exhibit.

--News release from the Living Desert.