It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Namibian cheetah Sasha, who died in Madhya Pradesh, India, from kidney disease.
Sasha was born in Namibia in 2011 and was part of a conservation program to help save the cheetah population in the country. She was brought to India in 2015 as part of a breeding program to help increase the population of cheetahs in the country.
Sasha was a beloved member of the Madhya Pradesh Zoo, where she was cared for by a dedicated team of zookeepers. She quickly became a favorite of visitors, who were drawn to her playful and friendly nature.
Unfortunately, Sasha was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2019 and her health began to decline. Despite the best efforts of the zoo staff, Sasha passed away in April 2021.
Sasha’s death is a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to protect endangered species. Cheetahs are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and their numbers are declining due to habitat loss, poaching, and other human activities.
Sasha’s passing is a great loss to the Madhya Pradesh Zoo and to the cheetah conservation community. She will be remembered for her playful spirit and her contribution to the conservation of cheetahs in India.