Auckland Zoo acquires two new cheetahs, Qia and Quartz

Friday, 10 November 2017

Two cheetahs are on the move in Auckland.

Female cheetahs Qia and Quartz were picked up from Auckland Airport on Friday afternoon and were escorted to their new home at Auckland Zoo.

We're off to @AKL_Airport to pick up our two new female cheetah Qia and Quartz! #welcometoauckland #cheetahonthemove pic.twitter.com/zbDoFqJMGS

— Auckland Zoo (@aucklandzoo) November 10, 2017

Originally from South Africa, Qia and Quartz will be joining 12-year-old Osiris. 

We've just picked up Qia and Quartz from @AKL_Airport #cheetahonthemove pic.twitter.com/UKNOWy0cti

— Auckland Zoo (@aucklandzoo) November 10, 2017

Osiris and his brother Anubis moved to New Zealand from South Africa in 2006 as part of the cheetah ambassador programme, which aims to raise awareness and support for the endangered cats. 

**READ MORE:

* Auckland Zoo $1 million behind after year of wet weather

* Auckland Zoo selling zookeeper's Lockwood house for $1

* Council approves new $1.6m elephant despite Sri Lankan court hold up

* Walk on the wildside with cheetahs**

Anubis passed away from age-related degenerative health conditions in September.

The same age as Anubis, Osiris also has some physical age-related health issues. 

Auckland Zoo could not be reached for comment.