1. Bela, Beloved Cheetah At Living Desert Zoo And Gardens
2. Beloved Cheetah At Living Desert Zoo And Gardens Dies At.
Bela, the Beloved 9-Year-Old Cheetah, Passes Away at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
In a heartfelt announcement, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, CA, shared the sad news of the passing of Bela, a 9-year-old cheetah who had been a beloved resident of the zoo since 2016.
A Life Cut Short by Lymphoma
Bela’s untimely demise was the result of a recent diagnosis of lymphoma, a terminal form of cancer, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the zoo. The devastating news left the zoo team with no choice but to make the difficult decision to compassionately euthanize Bela.
During the brief period between her diagnosis and her passing, the zoo ensured that Bela was as comfortable as possible, providing her with palliative care. Under the watchful eyes of the dedicated animal care and veterinary teams, Bela spent her last days basking in the sunshine and enjoying the company of her fellow litter mates, Kali and Sudi, as they lounged in the grass.
A Life of Joy and Adventure
Bela was born in 2014 and arrived at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens with her sisters, Kali and Sundi, in 2016, after being transferred from the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. Adored by the animal care team, Bela was affectionately called ‘B’ by those who knew her best.
One of Bela’s favorite pastimes was napping in the warm rays of the sun, savoring every moment spent with her sisters. She also delighted in the enriching experience of receiving bones, which always set her and her sisters into a sprint across their habitat. Bela had a particular fondness for anything that smelled like fish, which brought her great joy.
Bela’s playful spirit and gentle nature left an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to have met her. She was not simply a cheetah, but an embodiment of the beauty and fragility of the desert, serving as an incredible ambassador for her species. Bela shared the vital conservation story of cheetahs with guests, raising awareness about the importance of protecting them in their native habitats.
Remembering Bela’s Legacy
To learn more about the efforts of The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in safeguarding cheetahs and supporting their conservation, you can visit their website. There, you will discover the numerous ways in which the zoo actively contributes to the protection of these magnificent creatures.
For those who wish to delve further into cheetah conservation, the Cheetah Conservation Fund offers valuable insights and resources. Their mission aligns with Bela’s legacy, aiming to ensure a future where cheetahs can thrive in harmony with their natural environment.
As we bid farewell to Bela, let us remember her as a symbol of the beauty and fragility of life. Her spirit will continue to inspire us to protect and cherish the incredible diversity of wildlife that graces our planet.
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1. Bela, Beloved Cheetah At Living Desert Zoo And Gardens
2. Beloved Cheetah At Living Desert Zoo And Gardens Dies At.
