The Saint Louis Zoo's eight cheetah cubs known as the "Bingwa Bunch" are one year old! Three males and five females were born on Nov. 26, 2017 to mother Bingwa and father Jason at the Zoo's River's Edge Cheetah Survival Center.
It was the first time in the Saint Louis Zoo's history a cheetah gave birth to eight cubs, which is rare! In over 430 litters documented by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, this was the first time a female cheetah produced and reared on her own a litter of eight cubs at a zoo. The average litter size is three to four cubs. The cubs are now almost full grown and weigh about 55 pounds each.
To celebrate, families are invited to the International Cheetah Day event on Sunday, December 2. Kids can make their very own cheetah mask, complete a Cheetah Passport and learn about cheetah care and conservation programs from zookeepers. You can also visit the cheetahs at the River's Edge (weather permitting) where you can meet Zoo educators and complete hands-on activities about the amazing cheetah. The Living World will be the event site in case of inclement weather.
International Cheetah Day activities are happening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Saint Louis Zoo. Admission is free.
More information: stlzoo/cheetahday
Photos courtesy of the Saint Louis Zoo
Visit the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park and see a star show to experience the largest artificial sky in the Western Hemisphere. Star shows are lead LIVE by one of the Planetarium's educators, creating a new and tailored experience for every audience.
Young visitors and their families are invited to the Life Science Lab Classroom at the Saint Louis Science Center to enjoy interactive read-alouds of science-themed picture books. Story times are followed by a short demonstration or discussion connected to the book's main concepts.
Sensory Friendly Science Time features reduced noise, modified lighting and sensory-friendly demonstrations at the Saint Louis Science Center.
Little Red Hen Play Dates are a wonderful way for children ages 0-6 and their caregivers to experience the magic of Waldorf Early Childhood Education. You and your child will bake bread — a weekly occurrence in the Waldorf School's Early Childhood Program — listen to stories; join in a circle time filled with songs, rhymes, and movement; and explore the outdoors in our mini meadow.