Columbus Zoo Mourns Loss of Beloved Cheetah Kvamme at Age 10

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Kvamme, a beloved cheetah at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, passed away Friday at the age of 10, following a battle with pneumonia.

The zoo announced the news, stating that Kvamme had been a cherished member of the animal care team and that his spirit “remained bright” despite his aggressive medical care. His unique personality endeared him to both keepers and visitors alike.

Born on September 3, 2014, Kvamme was raised alongside his sister Kesi after their mother at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium could no longer provide for them. The siblings were transferred to the Columbus Zoo, where they were hand-reared and became well-loved by staff.

“His perfect teddy bear ears, loud purrs, and happy meows are all small things our Animal Care team will remember about him,” the zoo stated in a social media post. Kvamme’s distinctive medical shirt, designed to protect his skin from abrasions, also served as an educational tool, sparking interest among zoo visitors about cheetah care and conservation.

The conservation medicine and animal care teams at the zoo noted Kvamme’s history of complex medical issues, which made him one of their special residents. Their efforts included ongoing treatments until his recent diagnosis of pneumonia.

“Kvamme was truly a one-of-a-kind cheetah and his personality and legacy will be remembered for years and years to come,” his care team wrote. They expressed gratitude for the time spent with him and emphasized the impact he had on everyone who met him.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium continues to honor Kvamme’s life and contributions to wildlife education and conservation efforts, remembering him as a cherished animal that brought joy to many.