Dickerson Park Zoo's three new cheetah cubs gendered

UPDATE 12/17/24: The trio of cheetah cubs' genders were determined today.

The animal care staff was able to determine the trio included two girls and a boy.

A contest to name the cheetah cubs will be announced in the first week of January 2025.

The cubs are not on exhibit.

Original post

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Dickerson Park Zoo (DPZ) got a holiday gift a bit early this year in the form of cheetah triplets.

According to a press release from DPZ, a four-year-old cheetah named Faith became a mom for the first time to three healthy cubs on Nov. 16, 2024.

DPZ says the birth of the triplets is also rewarding because cheetahs are considered endangered.

The sex of the cubs is not yet known and they are not on exhibit to the public.

"Right now, the main focus is on letting Faith and her cubs bond," said zoo spokeswoman Joey Powell. "She is a very protective and very attentive mother."

DPZ is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, but will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.