In October last year, Sansa, the five-year-old cheetah, gave birth to five cute little bundles of fur at the Cango Wildlife Ranch and Conservation Centre in Oudtshoorn, which forms part of the Cheetah Preservation Foundation non-profit organisation.

A very pregnant Sansa, left her comfy and secure night quarters and set up nest in a dense but low canopy of Spekboom, where she gave birth. Thankfully, the weather remained warm and constant, and mom made the entire process look easy.

The cubs stayed with their mom for the first two weeks where they consumed enough colostrum to ensure healthy cubs with strong antibodies.

The cubs then moved to the facility’s hand-raising centre where an experienced team of carers work around the clock to ensure optimal care.

Sansa is a strong and healthy cheetah, who has the most amazing relationship with her carer, Riette Koortzen. Riette is able to give her regular examinations, including full body checks for any injuries or sores, and administer injections for vaccinations, and pest control procedures.

Sansa welcomed Riette’s presence, even with her new-born cubs. She was able to visit regularly to check up on them and Sansa would often get up and leave her cubs with Riette to go for a drink of water or to eat.

The cubs (two boys and three girls) already have distinct personalities, according to their doting carers.

Of the boys; Xavier is the largest, darkest and fluffiest. He is the explorer of the group, and feeding time is his best time of day. Xion, the second largest, is already known for his strong will and determination.

Of the girls, Xara is almost always the first one to fall asleep and by the time she is ready to rough-house, her siblings are well on their way to dreamland. Xena is the only one that has a white-tipped tail. She is described as feisty and sassy, and has the strongest personality of the three girls. Xyla, the smallest of the litter, is a very playful busy-body. Most importantly though, all are in perfect health, as is their remarkable mom.