9.6.2026 – Photos by Pat Waldron, Source: Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Mum Darcy gave birth in the early hours of Valentine’s Day to the four tiny cubs.
Having previously giving birth to Kendi and Tafari in 2024, Darcy is a natural mother. She seems very relaxed and is taking everything in her stride.
She was reintroduced to our male Brooke on recommendation of the Breeding Programme. In the wild, female cheetahs are solitary and the father has nothing to do with the cubs so now it’s just Darcy is with her cubs and Brooke is in a neighbouring reserve.
Brooke can just chill while Darcy takes care of the kids.
Now the four girls can be seen outdoors with their mama Darcy.
The girl quartet now have names, too: Dua, Rosa, Valentina and Mila. I wonder how the rangers (keepers) can tell who’s who ….
No matter who’s who – all four are incredibly cute!
YWP’s Cheetah Territory covers 10,000 square metres, comprising of three reserves and two houses forming a breeding complex, which is believed to be the largest in Europe.
Dr Charlotte added: “The birth of the cheetah cubs marks another vital step towards conservation of this incredible species.
“Their numbers are rapidly dwindling in the wild and we are thrilled to be able to contribute towards their protection.
Dear Pat!
The cubs are very cute. The mother has everything under control.
Hugs
Ludmila
Die Kleinen sind allerliebst.
Ich liebe ihre Punkfrisur ganz besonders!
Nach Kendi und Tafari ist Darcy nun Mutter von Vierlingen geworden!! Junge Geparden sehen so schön aus und ich frage mich auch, wie die vier Schwestern auseinander zu halten sind!?
Darcy wird ihre Mädels schon kennen und bei den Zwillingen hatte sie schon gezeigt, dass sie eine gute Mutter ist!!👍😏👏
Alles GUTE wünsche ich der Geparden-Familie, wobei Papa Brooke ja nur Zuschauer aus der Ferne ist…💝😉😊
Dear Pat!
Thank you for the lovely photos of the little cheetahs! To me, cheetahs are the most elegant of all big cats. Even though the little ones have quite a fierce look about them because of their markings, they’re absolutely charming, and I love their punk-style hairstyles too.
Congratulations to the YWP in Yorkshire.
Hugs
Anke
Dear Pat and Mervi Darcy shares her name with a famous British ballet dancer. I wonder if they also share a love of children. I was fortunate enough back in 1995 to visit a Cheetah park near Johannesburg and found that the animals there enjoyed human company.
I really miss my trips to Yorkshire so thank you Pat and Mervi for letting me see your reports. The baby cheetahs are sooo sweet.