We suddenly have no shortage of cool cats named Venus at Neatorama! Venus the 6-year-old cheetah recently gave birth to four cubs at her home on the Cango Wildlife Ranch in South Africa. But that wasn't the first time she was in the news.
Venus made headlines a year ago for having eye surgery. Prior to surgery she was diagnosed with bilateral cataracts, likely due to suffering from malnutrition as a cub. At that time, Venus was nervous, fearful and displayed a fair amount of fear aggression. Vets monitored her condition, which continued to deteriorate.
During a complicated surgery rarely performed on animals, Dr. Anthony Goodhead of Cape Town, South Africa removed the cataracts and accumulated scar tissue from Venus' corneas. The surgery transformed Venus' personality as well as restoring her eyesight. She now carries herself with confidence and explores her surroundings without fear.
The first-time cheetah mom surprised the ranch staff with her exceptional maternal skills. Venus and her cubs are healthy, playful and enjoying their time spent bonding together as a family. See more pictures at Zooborns.
Images Credit: Cango Wildlife Ranch/Oudtshoorn/South Africa