1 of Decatur Zoo’s Pair of Cheetahs Dies

DECATUR, Ill. (AP) — A cheetah that has lived at the Scovill Zoo in Decatur for more than 10 years has died.

Zoo director Ken Frye told the Herald & Review in Decatur that Runako suffered from kidney failure and had to be euthanized Monday.

At 13 years old Runako and his brother, Jafari, are both well beyond the 11 or so years the Association of Zoos and Aquariums says captive cheetahs usually live.

Frye says Jafari appears to be in good health.

The two cheetahs arrived at the central Illinois zoo in 2003 and have been among its top attractions.

Frye says the zoo will not try to add another cheetah until Jafari dies.

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