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Cheetah Cub At Taronga Western Plains Zoo Abandoned By Mum But Makes Friends With Zookeepers

Abandoned Cheetah Cub Finds A Friend In Its Zookeepers

There's a sad story behind this adorable cheetah cub born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo but keepers are determined to make it a happy ending.

The female youngster was born with a stillborn brother, and often when one cub does not survive, mum shuns the healthy sibling as well.

The female cheetah cub born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

Keeper Jordan Michelmore said that while mum Kyan started off well, she slowly stopped feeding the cub.

"Eventually we decided to intervene to give the cub the best chance of survival,” Michlemore said.

The cub is getting 24-hour care from keepers right now but there's hope she will eventually be introduced to a special bull mastiff dog named Iris, who has already befriended one cheetah cub.

The female cheetah cub born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

Dogs -- a man's -- and a cheetah's best friend.

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