4 Cheetah Cubs Born At San Diego Zoo Safari Park

ESCONDIDO, CA — San Diego Zoo Safari Park is celebrating the arrival of four cheetah cubs, the first cubs born at the park since 2020.

The male cubs were born on Jan. 24, 2026, to first-time mother Kelechi. They are currently bonding with her in a private den at the Escondido park's Carnivore Conservation Center.

The cubs are now emerging from their den, giving visitors a chance to see them during the park's Ultimate Safari experience.

Cheetah mothers are highly attentive, grooming and keeping their young close during the early months, according to park officials. As the cubs grow more curious and active, Kelechi chirps to call them closer when needed.

Male cheetahs like the four brothers form lifelong groups called "coalitions" to hunt and travel together. It's a unique behavior for the usually solitary species, park officials said.

The brothers play a role in supporting the genetic diversity of cheetahs worldwide, helping maintain healthy populations of the vulnerable species, according to San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, which operates San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

The births are part of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's efforts to support cheetah populations through the Carnivore Conservation Center and participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan.