Lincoln Children’s Zoo cheetah leaves big legacy after death

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Today, Lincoln Children’s Zoo announced the death of Bella the cheetah. Bella was almost 16 years old when she died, more than the average of cheetahs in human care.

According to the zoo, Bella came to Lincoln Children’s Zoo in 2020 as one of the first members of the Cheetah Chase program.

She was at the Columbus zoo prior to coming to Lincoln.

The Lincoln Children’s Zoo said Bella loved to be outside, run the course and occasionally roll around in the grass. As each year passed, Bella got slower but still loved to be outside.

COURTESY: LINCOLN CHILDREN’S ZOO

She was often referred to as “Queen Bella” or “Old Lady.”

Bella had multiple age-related chronic health conditions, which led animal care and veterinary teams to decide to humanely euthanize her, as her quality of life was not possible.

Lincoln Children’s Zoo said Bella leaves “an enormous legacy” and helped “educate and inspire countless guests.”