A CHEETAH has died just weeks after being moved to Edinburgh Zoo.
Five-year-old Cleo was transported to the capital from Fota Wildlife Park in Ireland in August.
Her arrival marked the first time in 24 years the zoo had been home to the large cat, which is classified as vulnerable in the wild.
Bosses today announced the cheetah had passed away following a short illness.
A post-mortem examination will be carried out but staff believe the death is related to liver failure.
In a statement on social media, the zoo wrote: “We are sad to say that Cleo the cheetah died overnight following a short illness, despite the best efforts of our veterinary team and specialist animal keepers.
“In the short time Cleo was here she made an amazing impression on all of the staff, vets and visitors who met her.
“We are still trying to establish what the cause of death is but we believe it is related to liver failure. We will know more after a post-mortem examination.
“She will be sadly missed.”
In July, a chimp was killed at Edinburgh Zoo in a savage love triangle fight.
Rene, a 31-year-old male, was so severely injured during the savage altercation he couldn’t be saved and died days later.
Another chimp known as Qafzeh was also caught up in the explosive scrap for dominance and required surgery to his grizzly wounds.
Experts at the zoo said frenzied chimp fights are common around breeding time when females come into season and males flex their muscles in anticipation.
