CLEVELAND — Cleveland Metroparks Zoo announced Wednesday the passing of Chimba, a male cheetah, who was humanely euthanized that morning due to declining health associated with his advanced age.

Born on Sept. 6, 2010, Chimba arrived at the zoo in April 2012 with his brother, Mohawk, who remains at the zoo.

While cheetahs are typically solitary in the wild, brothers sometimes form “coalitions,” as Chimba and Mohawk did, living together for many years. Zoo officials said Mohawk will continue receiving care from the animal care team that looked after both cheetahs.

At 15 years old, Chimba was one of the oldest cheetahs in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP).

"For more than a decade, Chimba inspired and amazed guests, connecting people to the beauty of his

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