Cheetah known for medical shirt at Columbus Zoo dies
Mar 28, 2025
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A “one-of-a-kind” cheetah at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium known for wearing a medical shirt has died, zoo officials announced Friday.
The Columbus Zoo revealed its cheetah, Kvamme, recently succumbed to lung disease at 10 years old after being diagnosed with pneum
onia. The zoo said Kvamme’s passing was despite “aggressive medical management.”
Kvamme moved to Columbus from a Nebraska zoo in October 2014 at 1 month old. He made the move with his sister Kesi after his mother fell ill and could not provide milk. The siblings were then hand-reared and raised at the Columbus Zoo.
Kvamme, who the zoo said had a complex medical history, was known by guests for his signature medical shirt he wore to protect his skin from abrasions.
“Through training, he even assisted keepers in putting it on by lifting one foot at a time!” a Facebook post by the zoo reads. “The signature medical shirt intrigued visitors, inspiring them to learn more about cheetahs.”
(Photo courtesy/Columbus Zoo)(Photo courtesy/Columbus Zoo)
The zoo said Kvamme’s “unique personality” made him a favorite among their Animal Care Team and that he touched the hearts of everyone who visited the zoo.
“He was the cheetah you couldn’t help but fall in love with, captivating everyone from his keepers to our guests,” the zoo said. “His perfect teddy bear ears, loud purrs, and happy meows, are all small things our Animal Care Team will remember about him.”
The zoo said Kvamme's spirit "remained bright” throughout his medical treatment and that he will leave a permanent mark on zoo employees. ...read more read less