Ailing cheetah put down by BREC Zoo staff

Keepers at BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo euthanized a male cheetah after the cat’s health began to decline.

The 12-year-old cheetah had become less active and began experiencing “respiratory issues,” according to a Monday news release. Cheetahs have a median life expectancy of 15 years, the release says.

The cheetah was born at the San Diego Wild Animal Park and came to Baton Rouge from Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, Mo., in February 2010, the release says.

The cheetah was euthanized last week.

Results from post-euthanasia tests are pending.

, the release says.

“Our veterinary and keeper staff did an incredible job making sure he was comfortable until the end,” General Curator Sam Winslow said.