
The Saint Louis Zoo's eight cheetah cubs known as the "Bingwa Bunch" are one year old! Three males and five females were born on Nov. 26, 2017 to mother Bingwa and father Jason at the Zoo's River's Edge Cheetah Survival Center.
It was the first time in the Saint Louis Zoo's history a cheetah gave birth to eight cubs, which is rare! In over 430 litters documented by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, this was the first time a female cheetah produced and reared on her own a litter of eight cubs at a zoo. The average litter size is three to four cubs. The cubs are now almost full grown and weigh about 55 pounds each.
To celebrate, families are invited to the International Cheetah Day event on Sunday, December 2. Kids can make their very own cheetah mask, complete a Cheetah Passport and learn about cheetah care and conservation programs from zookeepers. You can also visit the cheetahs at the River's Edge (weather permitting) where you can meet Zoo educators and complete hands-on activities about the amazing cheetah. The Living World will be the event site in case of inclement weather.
International Cheetah Day activities are happening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Saint Louis Zoo. Admission is free.
More information: stlzoo/cheetahday
Photos courtesy of the Saint Louis Zoo
Visit the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park and see a star show to experience the largest artificial sky in the Western Hemisphere. Star shows are lead LIVE by one of the Planetarium's educators, creating a new and tailored experience for every audience.
Splash and play with your little one in this fun morning activity. No registration is necessary.
See the Zoo's California sea lions perform acrobatic and athletic feats, including Olympic-style dives on a high-diving platform, flipper walks, frisbee tosses and plenty of surprises. While on stage with the sea lions, the Zoo's trainers explain sea lion behavior and positive-reinforcement training, in addition to the need for conserving the sea lion's ocean habitat.
Visit The Magic House for Toddler Time, a special early-morning program for toddlers. Children age 1-4 can take part in exhibits and exclusive interactive activities designed just for little ones. There are new themes every week!
Come play at The Magic House for free during Emerson Free Family Night. Capacity is limited.