Male cheetah euthanized at Maryland zoo, brother died in 2023

The Maryland Zoo has announced the euthanasia of its only male cheetah, Davis. 

Davis was euthanized due to complications from chronic gastrointestinal issues that worsened recently despite care from the zoo's medical team. 

At almost 12 years old, Davis lived beyond the expected life span of cheetahs, according to the Maryland Zoo.  

After his brother, Bud, died in 2023, Davis adjusted well to living on his own and will be remembered as a much-loved resident of the zoo's 'African Journey' enclosure, the Maryland Zoo said in a release.  

Cheetahs are the world's fastest mammal and are rare in Africa, especially outside of protected parks. Decreasing habitat, poaching, and extermination are some of the reasons why cheetahs are endangered.  

North American zoos like the Maryland Zoo are important to saving cheetahs. They conduct research to learn more about cheetahs and to help with conservation efforts of the species.