Endangered Asiatic Cheetah Cub ‘Pirouz’ Dies in Captivity

By Tara A

Of the three endangered Asiatic cheetah cubs born in Iran on 1st May 2022, Pirouz was the only survivor. The three cubs were born in the Touran Wildlife Refuge by caesarean section, the first birth of an Asiatic cheetah in captivity.

On 28th February 2023, it was announced that Pirouz died due to kidney failure after undergoing dialysis. The cub, Pirouz, meaning “victorious” in Farsi, had brought national pride to Iran upon his birth.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Asiatic cheetah, biologically named Acinonyx jubatus venaticus, is highly endangered and is categorized as a threat of “dangerous ongoing decline.” Iran’s department of environment had hoped that with the birth of the cubs in captivity and their health being looked after, the cheetah population would increase again and that this species would come out of its critical condition of endangerment.

Amir Moradi, head of the hospital, spoke out to Iran and apologized to the people for their inability to “keep Pirouz alive” in a video message.

Pirouz was one of the leading icons of the protests against the dictatorship regime in Iran. Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Shervin Hajipour mentioned Pirouz and his possible extinction in the revolution anthem song ‘Baraye.’