New arrival spotted in Edinburgh

The world’s fastest land animal is back at Edinburgh Zoo as the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) welcomed four-year-old Billy the cheetah from Whipsnade Zoo yesterday (Wednesday 12 March). 

Visitors will be able to get a glimpse of Billy from next week, as he is given time to settle into his new surroundings. 

Jo Elliott, RZSS curator, said, “Billy is already beginning to show his personality and we can’t wait for visitors to see him. 

"We hope to be able to welcome a female cheetah in future to live with him and maybe have some cubs. 

"The first cheetah to live at Edinburgh Zoo arrived in 1922 but Billy is only the second cheetah we have had here in 25 years, following the sad death of Cleo last year.”  

Cheetahs are found across Africa and in some parts of Southwestern Asia. The species is listed as Vulnerable in the wild with a decreasing population estimated at 6,500 mature individuals (IUCN redlist).   

Visitors can book zoo tickets online in advance and save at edinburghzoo.org.uk/tickets