Mourning 'Assama' - Young Sudan Cheetah Dead - Sudan cheetah cub Assama dies after battling joint deformities and infection

Landau Zoo has announced the death of Assama, a six-month-old Sudan cheetah cub, following a sudden decline in health. The young animal was euthanised on January 27, 2026, after suffering from severe joint deformities and a later bacterial infection. Staff had cared for her since birth, but her condition became untreatable.

Assama was hand-reared by keepers at Landau Zoo from the moment she was born. Early on, she faced digestive troubles, which were managed with veterinary support. Later, her right front leg began showing signs of mobility problems.

As her joint issues worsened, multiple veterinary specialists were brought in to assess her. Tests indicated that her condition would rapidly deteriorate, leading to significant pain. Despite efforts to stabilise her, the outlook remained grim.

In late January, Assama developed a severe bacterial infection in her jaw, later identified as abscessing osteomyelitis. A postmortem examination revealed extensive pus formation and bone inflammation. No obvious symptoms had been noticed before this sudden decline. Due to her critical state, the decision was made to euthanise her on January 27, 2026, with her familiar keepers present to minimise distress.

The loss of Assama marks the end of a challenging six-month struggle for the cheetah cub. Her joint deformities and the unexpected bacterial infection proved too severe to overcome. Landau Zoo has confirmed that no further cubs from her lineage are currently under their care.