Aging Cheetah At Tulsa Zoo Relocated To Private Enclosure Because Of Health

The Tulsa Zoo has taken one of its cheetahs out its exhibit due to medical issues. In a news release, the zoo says Kuma, who is 16-years-old, began exhibiting signs of neuromuscular weakness, vision and hearing impairment.

Kuma has been relocated to a smaller grassy area away from visitors.

The average life span for cheetahs in captivity is 10 years, making Kuma one of the oldest in the nation.

"Like many older animals, Kuma has good days and bad days," said Dr. Kay Backues, Tulsa Zoo Senior Veterinarian, "Right now most of his days are good and his quality of life is still high, but should it deteriorate to a level where we feel he is no longer having mostly good days, then we will make the ethical decision to humanely euthanize Kuma."

Tulsa Zoo officials say Kuma still enjoys napping in the sun and though he moves a little slower, he still looks forward to mealtimes and interacting with his keepers.

The vacant cheetah exhibit will undergo renovation for a new species of animal. The news release says the Tulsa Zoo has been working with the African wild dog Species Survival Plan to possibly acquire this highly endangered canine species to reside in the renovated exhibit.

Kuma has been at the zoo since 1997.