Having a cat nap, the cheetah cub who went under anaesthetic for surgery on fractured leg

By David Baker


Running around at incredible speeds can wear out even the most sprightly of young cheetahs.

But far from taking time out for a quick cat nap poor Juba was in bed for an entirely different reason.

That's because the nine-month-old feline had to endure an anaesthetic and an hour long surgery to help fix its fractured leg.

Having been carried in to the operating theatre by zoo keeper Andy Wolfenden, it took three specialists to operate on the wounded cub.

Led by Rob Pettitt from the University of Liverpool, vet Livia Benato and anaestethtic nurse Tanya Grubb tended to the Chester Zoo resident for its lengthy surgery.

But following the successful operation Juba was up and running again after a metal plate was inserted into its right ankle.

In a statement on Chester Zoo's website, vet Steve Unwin said: 'We believe the fracture has been caused by a weakness in Juba’s leg, which has been aggravated by the rough and tumble antics of young cubs.

'Cats are adept at hiding any discomfort but we are fortunate that we are able to keep a very close eye on our animals and so quickly picked up that something wasn’t quite right.


Helping hand: Zoo keeper Andy Wolfenden carries Juba the Cheetah cub into the operating theatre

Open wide: Surgeons at Chester Zoo operate on poorly Juba the Cheetah cub

'Juba has been a model patient and we are pleased that, at this point in time, the operation seems to have gone well.

'Although Juba will need some rest for the next few weeks, we are hopeful he will be back up on his paws again in no time.'

Juba has now been returned to the cheetah den along with the rest of his family.


Anaesthtic: Juba the Cheetah is put under an anaesthtic whilst a metal plate is inserted in his ankle


Juba: Veterinary staff lift Juba the Cheetah cub onto a set of scales ahead of his operation at Chester Zoo



source:dailymail