Cheetah Cubs born in Fota Wildlife Park in February are Named

Cheetah Cubs born in Fota Wildlife Park in February have been named.

The four cubs who were born on the 26^th of February to mother Gráinne and father Sam, three males and a female have been named.

Following thousands of name suggestions, it was decided to name the four cubs after the Children of Lir; Fionnuala, Aodh, Fiachra and Conn.

However, we are devasted to tell you that Aodh, died unexpectedly on May 22^nd, after a brief but severe illness due to congenital heart failure. Despite attempts by our rangers and the veterinary team to save the cub, it was not possible, and the very difficult decision was made to put her to sleep.

The animal care team are heartbroken by the loss of this cub, however, Mum, Grainne is continuing to take great care of the remaining three thriving cubs, Conn, Fiachra and Fionnuala. The cubs are very active and playful and can regularly be seen by the public in their leafy habitat on Cheetah Hill in the Wildlife Park.

The Northern cheetah is a sub species which is considered endangered by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as there are less than 700 Northern cheetahs left in the wild.

While many entries featured the four names, our chosen winners are, Matthew Byrne from Westmeath, Daniel Lehane from Blarney, Emer O’Hara from Cork and Trish Hannafin from Limerick.