Wellington Zoo has farewelled one its cheetahs after he was put down due to internal health problems.
Senior veterinarian Baukje Lenting said Charlie had been going off his food and showing signs of discomfort in his abdomen.
Charlie had chronic pancreatitis, and during an endoscopy on his digestive system, the team found other internal health problems.
"Animal welfare is our top priority, and the results following Friday's procedure showed we were no longer able to maintain Charlie's quality of life, so the decision to euthanise him was made," said Ms Lenting.
Charlie came to Wellington Zoo in 2005 with his brother Delta, who was euthanised due to kidney failure in 2013.
Cheetah brothers typically stick together in the wild, but Charlie had been alone since his brother's death. When cubs reach the age of about 18 months, their mother will leave. The siblings will remain together for a few months until the sisters head off alone, leaving the brothers to form a tight group.
Wellington Zoo has two more cheetah brothers, Cango and Kunjuka.
Newshub.
