Cheetah dies unexpectedly at National Zoo after brief illness
By FOX 5 DC Digital Team
Published
WASHINGTON (FOX 5 DC) - The National Zoo announced this week that a cheetah died unexpectedly on March 3 after "a brief illness." He was 8 years old.
The 8-year-old male cheetah, Justin (nicknamed "Gat") who died unexpectedly at the National Zoo on March 3 following a brief illness. (Photo: Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute)
"Gat served as a wonderful ambassador for his species, teaching Zoo staff and visitors about cheetah biology, behavior, socialization and the important role they play as top predators in the ecosystem," the zoo's Facebook post reads.