POWELL, Ohio — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is mourning the loss of one of their beloved cheetahs following a history of health complications.
The Zoo announced in a Facebook post on Wednesday that Emmett the cheetah died while undergoing a health evaluation. While this wasn't the ending for Emmett they had hoped, the Zoo said he was "a symbol of resilience, companionship and the incredible bond that can form between animals and humans."
Emmett was born at The Wilds in 2016 and was rejected by his mother due to his health complications. After his health began to improve, he found a friend in a yellow Labrador retriever named Cullen.
Emmett and Cullen are said to have been inseparable and balanced each other out, with Emmett's cautious nature mixed with Cullen's confidence.
Cullen is one of two dogs that are a vital part of the Wild Encounters Africa team's cheetah care.
In addition to bringing joy to Zoo visitors, Emmett also contributed to the well-being of his species by regularly donating to the cheetah blood plasma bank.
"His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched and the profound contributions he made to cheetah conservation," the Zoo said in their Facebook post.
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