MIAMI – Koda, a 13-year-old male cheetah at Zoo Miami, recently underwent a comprehensive wellness exam as part of the zoo’s preventative health program, zoo officials confirmed Wednesday.
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After being immobilized in an off-exhibit habitat, the 110-pound cheetah was taken to the Animal Hospital, where he received radiographs, an ultrasound, an endoscopy and a dental cleaning, according to Zoo Miami Communication Director Ron Magill.
Dr. Luis Macho, a veterinary internal medicine specialist from Advanced Veterinary Care Center in Davie, assisted zoo veterinarians by donating his expertise for the ultrasound and endoscopy, Magill stated in a news release.
Magill said food and urine samples were also collected, and initial results indicate Koda is in good health. He has since recovered from the procedure.
Born at the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Center in South Africa in 2012, Koda arrived at Zoo Miami later that year.
For over a decade, he served as an ambassador for cheetah conservation, making public appearances at the zoo and off-site events.
His role contributed to more than $100,000 in conservation funding for efforts in Eastern and Southern Africa, the news release stated.
Now considered elderly for a cheetah — whose lifespan typically ranges from 8 to 10 years in the wild — Koda has retired from regular public appearances. He resides in an off-exhibit habitat, though he is occasionally featured in the zoo’s ambassador animal rotation, according to Zoo Miami.
Zoo officials acknowledge that every day with Koda is a gift as he continues to receive specialized care.
