DALLAS — Brutus, one of the cheetah brothers at the Dallas Zoo, has died at 10 years old. According to the zoo, Brutus had been lethargic and weak the week prior to his death, and had a poor appetite.
An extensive exam, including an endoscopic look at his esophagus and his stomach, by the veterinarian team on Oct. 18 was unable to identify the cause of Brutus’ symptoms. He was monitored closely throughout the week but his appetite never returned.
As this condition worsened last week, Brutus was hospitalized and underwent aggressive treatments and assisted feedings. However, his health continued to decline and showed evidence of kidney failure, anemia, infection and compromised liver and gallbladder function.
The zoo is currently waiting on necropsy results to determine his cause of death, but initial results show chronic changes in his kidneys and kidney failures, those of which are common in older cats.
Brutus and his brother Finnick arrived at Dallas Zoo in 2021. The two have been together since birth and could often be found in their Wilds of Africa habitat. Brutus was known by his zoologists for his easy-going and laid-back personality.