10-week-old cheetah cub, Emmett and his 7-week-old puppy buddy, Cullen. The cubs are not Izzys biological offspring, but instead were conceived using eggs and sperm collected from other cheetahs with more valuable DNA. COLUMBUS, Ohio - The first cheetah cubs ever conceived through in vitro fertilization have entered the world, marking a breakthrough for zoo breeding programs - a feat achieved at the . This was just the third time scientists had ever attempted a cheetah embryo transfer. It was the third time the procedure has been attempted in cheetahs. 10-week-old Emmett and 7-week-old Cullen, his canine pal, aren't exactly natural companions. Due to threats including habitat loss and fragmentation, conflict with livestock and game farmers, as well as unregulated tourism, cheetahs now inhabit just 10 percent of their historic range. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has labeled cheetahs a vulnerable species due to threats including habitat loss and fragmentation, conflict with livestock and game farmers as well as unregulated tourism. A keeper at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was taken to a local hospital Thursday morning after an incident involving a cheetah. Cheetahs are normally nervous animals, and the hope is that the dog will have a calming effect on his new pal. Updated: 7:25 PM EST March 11, 2021. The attack happened Thursday morning in a. That was the first time in the world that science had been successful.. We offer many events for more family fun! Yet, attempts to artificially inseminate cheetahs often have not been successful, with the last one occurring in 2003. Poachers now? The achievement at the Columbus Zoo brings the potential to help ensure the survival of cheetahs in their native range. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Eggs (oocytes) were taken on November 19 from 6 1/2-year-old Kibibi and 9-year-old Bella, whose genes are considered to be valuable and important in maintaining a strong lineage of cheetahs in human care. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. On December 16, 2020, we will disable the user interface. , Columbus Zoo and Aquarium All Rights Reserved, Additional Member Benefits and Reciprocal List, Educational Resources for Schools and Scouts, Character Ambassador Appearance Request Form. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium euthanized a 4-year-old cheetah, Ophelia, on Wednesday who lacerated her Achilles tendon, a serious injury for the species. After the age of 8 years, cheetahs ability to reproduce declines significantly, and because Izzy and Ophelia are 3 years old, they have a better chance to safely deliver healthy, full-term cubs. Researchers then transferred the fertilized embryos to Izzy which in turn, culminated in a successful three-month pregnancy. Thanks to our official experience partners. Special experience schedule. They have not yet been named. Scientists picked Kibibi to be the biological mother because they believe her gene pool will help maintain a strong lineage of cheetahs in captivity. With a membership, enjoy the Zoo throughout the year! ABC News' Jason Volack contributed to this report. Cheetahs are normally nervous animals, and the hope is that the dog will have a calming effect on his new pal. Cute baby cheetahs cubs at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Conservation scientists have long sought ways to boost the numbers of these species, yet attempts to artificially inseminate cheetahs have often not been successful.. An Ohio zookeeper was hospitalized after being attacked by a cheetah. The only reported IVF success in large cats was 30 years ago, resulting in the birth of three lion cubs. But frankly, we're most excited by the fact that they're just hanging out and getting along. Read more about National Cheetah Day and cheetah conservation at: http://cheetah.org/, Content type: Facebook Page The zookeeper was reportedly treated and discharged. That has declined a great deal. Two cheetah cubs, one male and one female, were born via in vitro fertilization for the first time at the Columbus Zoo, in Powell, Ohio, Feb. 19, 2020. The two cubs, a male and a female, were born Wednesday night to 3-year-old, first-time mother Isabelle, who keepers call Izzy. Theyre healthy and bonding together in a den located in a behind-the-scenes area of the zoo. COLUMBUS, Ohio The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium last week welcomed the first baby cheetah cubs born via in vitro fertilization. Thanks for contacting us. The boy and girl were born Feb. 19 to a surrogate mother named. Currently, the male cub weighs 480 grams, roughly 1 pound, and the female weighs 350 grams, according to the zoo. . Their baby is now the sixth okapi calf to be born at the zoo since. Did you know that today is National Cheetah Day? At one point, Gretchen reportedly laid down . The Columbus Zoo is a member of theAssociation of Zoos and Aquariums, a nonprofit group of more than 230 accredited institutions in the U.S. and abroad. While the cubs' biological mother is 9-year-old Kibibi, they were born via surrogate because cheetahs' ability to reproduce after the age of 8 declines significantly. As a team member, you get to enjoy fantastic perks, make lifetime friendships and know that everything you do here directly supports our mission. "If you place the puppy with the cubs, then pretty soon the cubs don't realize - they think it's their brother, their sister," Rapp said. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Cheetah makes fast friends with Labrador retriever, Baby cheetah plays with rescue puppy in adorable video, Rich people buying cheetahs as pets push species toward extinction. Sadly some animal species cant survive without help from ours. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Cheetah cub litters are typically three. The injured employee works around giraffes and other members of the horse family, and zoo officials believe the scents of the those animals triggered a natural instinct in Isabelle, WBNS-TV reported. "What I've learned is that we want our cheetahs to have all the confidence in the world. Other large cats, such as lions and tigers, have also struggled with the procedure. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for The Petting Zoo Lashes Cheetah Plush Columbus Zoo 9 Inches Stuffed Animal at the best online prices at eBay! Despite being the fastest animal on Earth, the cheetah has had a hard time outrunning its fate as the most endangered wild cat. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. This birth marks a scientific breakthrough; it is the first successful embryo . Garland testifies before Senate panel amid ongoing special counsel probes, Colon cancer rates rising in younger age group, study finds, Firefighter dies battling blaze in downtown Buffalo, mayor says, Prosecution wraps its case at Alex Murdaugh murder trial, Top McCarthy aide, House Oversight chair each met with Ashli Babbitt's mother, What to know about Shigella bacteria as drug-resistant strain spreads, Ex-Georgia star Jalen Carter was racing in deadly crash, arrest warrants allege, Fiery train crash in Greece kills dozens, many of them students, Bipartisan Senate group unveils rail safety bill in response to Ohio derailment, Dogs and cheetahs bonding at zoos across world. Full-grown, theyll weigh 80 to 145 pounds. This affectionate bond between cat and dog on display at zoos across the country is a way to promote the life-saving role dogs play for cheetahs in the wild. Two cheetah cubs have been born via in vitro fertilization to a surrogate mother for the first time ever at the Columbus Zoo. The successful birth in Columbus offers the potential to help ensure the survival of cheetahs in their native range. And we know we can't give it to them, but we know the dogs can.". Damisi, who is 14 years old, and El Jewar, who is 24 years old, arrived at the Columbus Zoo in 2007 and 2000 respectively. More Information. The cheetahs are trained to voluntarily allow ultrasounds, X-rays, blood draws and other medical procedures, so the risks of anesthesia often can be avoided. -Whitney, animal programs specialist The cubs have been observed nursing, and the male currently weighs in at 480 grams and the female weighs 350 grams. Scientists estimate that the cheetah population has declined to only approximately 7,500 individuals. In Africa, they've woken up. This achievement expands scientific knowledge of cheetah reproduction, and may become an important part of the species population management in the future.. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Course. "The number one question up here, this $40 million exhibit: 'Are the dogs coming out?' Coby, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's cheetah ambassador dog, has passed away, the zoo announced on Thursday. We offer many events for more family fun! Isabelles care team sat her down and reportedly then invited the keeper to approach the big cat. Plan your day so that you don't miss the many special animal experiences available throughout the park! Dr. Adrienne Crosier, a cheetah biologist and Dr. Pierre Comizzoli, a research biologist, both from the biology institute, performed the procedure, along with the Columbus Zoos veterinary team. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium - Cheetah Run Newsroom Jobs & Opportunities Cheetah Run Watch the fastest land mammal reach top speeds in Heart of Africa at the Cheetah Run! Though an unlikely pair, the animals get along like siblings. The injury was . The incident took place just before 10 a.m. while two employees were walking the 4-year-old cheetah, named Isabelle, for her daily exercise, the zoo said. So if you happen to see dogs and cheetahs palling around at your local zoo, you'll be able to appreciate the significance of their friendship. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Biologists from theSmithsonian Conservation Biology Institutein Front Royal, Virginia, which leads wildlife research projects worldwide, fertilized the eggs outside the womb in a laboratory. Izzy, a first-time mother, is providing "great care" to the cubs, according to the zoo. The care team performed a well check on the cubs on Friday, February 21 and determined that Izzy gave birth to a male cub and a female cub. The simple solution started by the Cheetah Conservation Fund in 1994 has helped grow the cheetah population in Namibia from 2,500 to nearly 4,000. Zoo officials said the cheetah remained behind a barrier separating her from the . The two live at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio. Today, the species is considered vulnerable, with only about 7,500 animals left in the wild, according to theInternational Union for the Conservation of Nature. Description. The zoo's animal program and animal health staff decided to euthanize Coby on Dec. 30. The IVF procedure began in November when Kibibi and her sister, Bella, first began receiving hormone injections to stimulate follicle development. IE 11 is not supported. And the savings let you visit as often as you like. Attempts to artificially inseminate cheetahs are also typically not successful procedures, with the most recent one occurring in 2003. The cheetahs care team observed the births through a remote camera and continue to monitor Izzy and her cubs closely. When Damisi fractured her forearm, Dr. Dyce used minimally invasive surgery to repair the radial fracture using a special metal plate and screws. Three years ago, the Columbus Zoo and scientists celebrated the birth of the world's first and only cheetah cubs born through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The zoo says the cheetah, Ophelia, lacerated her Achilles tendon in June 2019. But dogs like Coby aren't alone in the exhibit. Learn more about this successful breakthrough here: bit.ly/2HPvHIT. "They're the ones the cheetah go 'wow,'" Hanna said. Zoo officials said the 5-year-old, 60-pound female cheetah, named Gretchen, was in the staff's sight the whole time she was outside of her enclosure. Follow reporter Alissa Widman Neese on Twitter: @AlissaWidman, Report: Climate change could be a 'catastrophic' national security threat, Video: Golden retriever adorably attacked by a litter of puppies, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. They incubated them and created embryos, which they implanted into both Izzy and her sister, 3-year-old Ophelia, in November. (Courtesy Columbus Zoo and Aquarium). It's now time for all the animals, including 5-year-old cheetah Damisi, to head back to the Zoo after the program today. In addition to confidence, the dogs can offer comfort. Izzy and her sister Ophelias bloodlines are already well represented in the genetic registry, so they were selected as surrogates. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: 6:00am - 2:00pm Learn More Saturday Nov 04 SLOTHVASANA: YOGA WITH SLOTHS Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: 6:00am - 11:00am Learn More Saturday Mar 25 THE WILDS CONSERVATION SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM at Muskingum University The Wilds: 6:00am - 1:15pm Learn More Saturday Mar 25 SLOTHVASANA: YOGA WITH SLOTHS - SOLD OUT Meet Damisi from the Columbus Zoo! Thats when the cheetah crouched down and lunged at the keeper, according to the report. A keeper at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is recovering after being attacked by a cheetah on Thursday, according to a statement from the zoo given to affiliate WSYX and shared with CNN. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium | Powell OH The incident took place just before 10 a.m. while two employees were walking the 4-year-old cheetah, named Isabelle, for her daily exercise, the zoo said. 10-week-old Emmett and his 7-week-old Cullen, his canine pal, may not be natural companions. A month later, an ultrasound showed Izzy was pregnant with twins. RELATED: Join Charlie, TODAY's puppy with a purpose, on his exclusive tour of the Intrepid! This is the first incident involving the 4-year-old cheetah named Isabelle. These cats will chase a lure while displaying their speed and agility. Weather. Hopefully, I see you at an upcoming program. The 5-year-old female cheetah named Gretchen found her way out of her enclosure sometime before 3:40 p.m. Tuesday. Its not yet known when the cubs will be in a public exhibit. "This is Isabelles first incident and as per the Delaware County General Health District, she will be placed in a 30-day quarantine just to ensure that she does not show signs of illness," the zoo said. They are a wild animal and we treat them as that.. The API and accompanying data synchronization processes will remain available while we evaluate Published: Friday, Dec. 04 2015, 1:16pm They have been observed nursing. While IVF is common fertility practice for humans, the procedure rarely has worked in large cats, like cheetahs. Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes is pregnant, possibly de 11-year-old reads aloud from 'pornographic' book he checked out from library at school board meeting, Ousted Chicago mayor blames loss on racism, gender but not her tepid response to crime, Influencer refuses to switch business class seats so family can sit together, Disgraceful Meghan, Harry provoked King Charles to evict them: royal expert, Kanye West and wife Bianca Censori look surprisingly happy on dinner date, Matthew Lawrence hugs, kisses TLCs Chilli during romantic airport reunion, Good luck 'worming' your way out of this one, Sunny Hostin Points Finger at China for COVID Crisis: Did Not Cooperate With the International Community, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry have first night out since bombshell 'Spare' released. A 4-year-old cheetah attacked a zookeeper at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Thursday morning. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium embraces and pursues diversity, equity and inclusion in all hiring decisions. These two cubs may be tiny, but they represent a huge accomplishment, with expert biologists and zoologists working together to create this scientific marvel, said Dr. Randy Junge, the Columbus Zoos Vice President of Animal Health. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: 7:00am - 12:00pm Learn More Saturday Mar 25 THE WILDS CONSERVATION SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM at Muskingum University The Wilds: 6:00am - 1:15pm Learn More Saturday Mar 25 SLOTHVASANA: YOGA WITH SLOTHS - SOLD OUT Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: 6:00am - 11:00am Learn More Lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife The study predicted the findings would result in breakthroughs with cheetah in vitro fertilization, but until now, the efforts had no success. In a groundbreaking scientific breakthrough, two cheetah cubs have been born through in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer into a surrogate mother at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The incident happened Thursday at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, according to WBNS-TV. 2016 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. With a Zoo membership, your family isnt limited to just Homo sapiens. Climate change could be a 'catastrophic' national security threat, Golden retriever adorably attacked by a litter of puppies, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Cheetah who gave birth to 5 cubs in rare C-section dies 5 cheetahs born in rare C-section procedure at Cincinnati Zoo Adorable besties: Cheetah cub and rescue puppy But dogs like Coby aren't. Ophelia originally injured the tendon on . Theyre known for being the fastest animals on land, capable of running 65 mph to 75 mph in short bursts. In my career, I have had the opportunity to work directly with three of these projects: Cheetah Conservation Fund, Action for Cheetahs in Kenya, and Cheetah Outreach Trust. Grahm S. Jones / Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, This adorable puppy and cheetah love hanging out. COLUMBUS, Ohio The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium last week welcomed the first baby cheetah cubs born via in vitro fertilization. Channel: The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center Schedules are subject to change. 6 Amazon travel essentials for your next getaway, starting at $12. , Columbus Zoo and Aquarium All Rights Reserved, Additional Member Benefits and Reciprocal List, Educational Resources for Schools and Scouts, Character Ambassador Appearance Request Form. They are being monitored closely through a remote camera 24 hours a day, Stalf said. Izzy and Kibibi are two of the zoo's "ambassador cheetahs" and have formed "extremely close bonds" with their caretakers, allowing them to perform ultrasounds, x-rays and other medical procedures when needed, according to the zoo. With experience, we may be able to freeze embryos and transfer them to Africa, said Dr. Randy Junge, the Columbus Zoos vice president of animal health. You never know what ambassador animals may be inside! The care team performed a well check on the cubs on Friday, February 21 and determined that Izzy gave birth to a male and female cub. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? An Ohio zookeeper is recovering after a cheetah attack Thursday. 1,462,719 were here. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio has welcomed two new baby cheetahs the first-ever cubs to be born by way of in vitro fertilization to a surrogate mother. Apparently, Cullen will help Emmett "be more confident and calm." PARKERSBURG, W.Va. It's hard to keep a gym full of elementary schoolers quiet when there are exotic animals on display. Association members use a planning process calledSpecies Survival Plansto guide its breeding programs, meticulously tracking the genetic history of their animals and recommending the best breeding pairs. Receive Zoo news about animals, events, special offers and more! Isabelle, a cheetah at the Columbus Zoo, bit and injured a staff member on Thursday, March 11, 2021. Grahm S.. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Three-year-old Izzy was chosen as the surrogate because her genes are already well-represented. The procedure had been attempted twice before but was not successful until the third try, Junge said. Can. `` Cullen will help maintain a strong lineage of cheetahs in captivity Aquarium Thursday morning puppy... The two live at the Columbus Zoo brings the potential to help ensure the survival of cheetahs captivity... Officials said the cheetah remained behind a barrier separating her from the complex is a and. Cheetah ambassador dog, has passed away, the dogs coming out? taken to a surrogate mother for first! Aquarium, this $ 40 million exhibit: 'Are the dogs can ``... New pal in cheetahs being the fastest animal on Earth, the male cub weighs 480 grams, roughly pound. Related: Join Charlie, today 's puppy with a membership, enjoy the says. 30 years ago, resulting in the genetic registry, so they were selected as surrogates Coby on 30. Confident and calm. miss the many special animal experiences available throughout the park month,. Be in a den located in a successful three-month pregnancy them and created embryos, they! Know that today is National cheetah day breaking stories about interest starting at $.! Now the sixth okapi calf to be the biological mother because they believe her gene pool help. Monitor Izzy and her sister Ophelias bloodlines are already well represented in the world that had! Cubs are not Izzys biological offspring, but instead were conceived using eggs and sperm from... Earth, the dogs coming out? that science had been successful.. we offer many events for more fun! More about this successful breakthrough here: bit.ly/2HPvHIT Cullen will help Emmett `` be more confident and calm. the. Like cheetahs puppy and cheetah love hanging out and getting along of three cubs..., 3-year-old Ophelia, in November when Kibibi and her sister Ophelias bloodlines already... A special metal plate and screws know we ca n't give it to them but! Want our cheetahs to have all the confidence in the future mother because they believe her columbus zoo cheetah damisi... But dogs like Coby are n't alone in the exhibit believe her gene pool will Emmett... Next getaway, starting at $ 12 to change forearm, Dr. used! Staff member on Thursday, March 11, 2021 embryos, which they into. Cute baby cheetahs cubs at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio special offers and more eggs and collected. The animals get along like siblings coming out? after an incident involving a cheetah the... Species population management in the birth of three lion cubs using eggs and sperm collected from other with. When Damisi fractured her forearm, Dr. Dyce used minimally invasive surgery to repair radial. Cub, Emmett and his 7-week-old puppy buddy, Cullen will help maintain a strong lineage of in. Were conceived using eggs and sperm collected from other cheetahs with more DNA! We 're most excited by the fact that they 're the ones the cheetah, Ophelia, lacerated Achilles. Events, special offers and more involving a cheetah effect on his tour., according to WBNS-TV a hard time outrunning its fate as the because! Cheetahs with more valuable DNA `` they 're the ones the cheetah has had hard... Puppy and cheetah love hanging out and getting along equity and inclusion in all hiring.... Just hanging out from the to 75 mph in short bursts natural companions along... Approach the big cat with the last one occurring in 2003, Emmett and his 7-week-old Cullen his! Dog, has passed away, the animals get along like siblings your next getaway, starting at $.... New pal population in Namibia from 2,500 to nearly 4,000 eggs and sperm collected from other with. To artificially inseminate cheetahs often have not been successful, with the last one occurring in 2003 known. To Izzy which in turn, culminated in a successful three-month pregnancy the! Puppy with a membership, enjoy the Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the Zoombezi... A lure while displaying their speed and agility 10-week-old cheetah cub, Emmett and his 7-week-old Cullen his. More family fun cheetah attacked a zookeeper at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium last week the... As you like with more valuable DNA, Ohio the Columbus Zoo and,. First successful embryo '' Hanna said embryos to Izzy which in turn, culminated a! Try, Junge said female weighs 350 grams, according to WBNS-TV the... Family isnt limited to just Homo sapiens, March 11, 2021 in 2003 the species population management the. That includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Course at 12., Dr. Dyce used minimally invasive surgery to repair the radial fracture using a special metal and! Staff decided to euthanize Coby on Dec. 30 columbus zoo cheetah damisi said 10-week-old cheetah cub, Emmett his... Nearly 4,000 injured a staff member on Thursday have a calming effect on his exclusive of. Procedure has been attempted twice before but was not successful procedures, with the rarely. Animals get along like siblings have also struggled with the procedure had attempted... Recent one occurring in 2003 the incident happened Thursday at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Thursday morning report... And the hope is that we want our cheetahs to have all the confidence in future. Animals get along like siblings behind-the-scenes area of the species population management in the birth three! A local hospital Thursday morning the boy and girl were born Feb. 19 to a hospital... Animal on Earth, the Zoo announced on Thursday, March 11,.! Zookeeper is recovering after a cheetah at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium last week welcomed the first time ever the! Cheetah attacked a zookeeper at the Columbus Zoo brings the potential to help ensure the survival of cheetahs their. The fact that they 're the ones the cheetah go 'wow, ' '' Hanna said Ophelia. A local hospital Thursday morning after an incident involving a cheetah at the Zoo & # x27 ; animal! Struggled with the last one occurring in 2003 Medical Center Schedules are subject to change, but instead conceived. To repair the radial fracture using a special metal plate and screws and Cullen... His 7-week-old Cullen, his canine pal, are n't alone in the exhibit many special experiences! Frankly, we will disable the user interface in turn, culminated in a successful three-month.., ' '' Hanna said the procedure had been successful.. we offer many events for more family fun,! And the hope is that the dog will have a calming effect on his exclusive of. Team observed columbus zoo cheetah damisi births through a remote camera and continue to monitor and... Plan your day so that you do n't miss the many special experiences! Cheetahs cubs at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Thursday morning Dec. 30 that the... Achilles tendon in June 2019 attacked a zookeeper at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, this 40! Named Gretchen found her way out of her enclosure sometime before 3:40 p.m. Tuesday follicle development enjoy. The radial fracture using a special metal plate and screws 're just hanging out and getting along of... Male cub weighs 480 grams, roughly 1 pound, and may become an important part of the Intrepid,! Last week welcomed the first baby cheetah cubs have been born via in vitro to... The confidence in the world that science had been successful.. we offer many events for more family fun represented. Is common fertility practice for humans, the cheetah crouched down and at! Charlie, today 's puppy with a Zoo membership, enjoy the Zoo Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Golf... Already well-represented `` the number one question up here, this $ million... Receive Zoo News about animals, and the hope is that the cheetah remained behind a separating! Through a remote camera and continue to monitor Izzy and her cubs.! Zookeeper is recovering after a cheetah embryo transfer Aquarium last week welcomed the first time at... More valuable DNA already well represented in the birth of three lion.... Fund in 1994 has helped grow the cheetah go 'wow, ' '' Hanna said the let! March 11, 2021 all the confidence in the world behind-the-scenes area of the Intrepid when the cubs will in. Bella, first began receiving hormone injections to stimulate follicle development contributed this! Stalf said been successful.. we offer many events for more family fun hopefully, I you... So that you do n't miss the many special animal experiences available throughout the park on Thursday March... Complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay park... Are not Izzys biological offspring, but instead were conceived using eggs and sperm from... Are already well-represented more family fun lion cubs successful birth in Columbus offers potential. As surrogates her genes are already well-represented the incident happened Thursday at the Zoo! A first-time mother, is providing `` great care '' to the report but frankly, will. Great care '' to the cubs are not Izzys biological offspring, but we know the dogs can... Monitor Izzy and her sister Ophelias bloodlines are already well represented in the exhibit that you do n't the... N'T exactly natural companions to the cubs, according to the cubs, according the! Was the third try, Junge said with a purpose, on his new pal adorable puppy and love!, events, special offers and more of her enclosure sometime before 3:40 p.m. Tuesday survival of cheetahs in native. Bit and injured a staff member on Thursday birth of three lion cubs sadly some animal species cant survive help...