The Maryland Zoo’s last remaining male cheetah has been euthanized due to health complications. Despite care from the zoo’s medical and husbandry teams, the 12-year-old cheetah named Davis suffered from chronic gastrointestinal issues that had continued to worsen. He lived beyond the median life expectancy for cheetahs, according to zoo officials. Davis’s brother Bud passed away in 2023. Davis “will be remembered as a much-loved resident of the Zoo’s African Journey boardwalk,” zoo officials said. There are fewer than 12,500 cheetahs in the world and they are becoming increasingly rare in their native Africa, outside of protected national parks. The species’ endangerd status is largely due to human factors, including decreased habitat, poaching, and extermination by ranchers. North American zoos, including The Maryland Zoo, cooperate to research the large cat and support conservation efforts in its native home. The zoo has created a memorial comment form, where community members can honor Davis. These messages will be shared with Davis’s care teams. “Your kind words are enough, but anyone wishing to further support the Zoo, our conservation mission, and Davis’ legacy can make a direct donation,” zoo officials said. ...read more read less