PROVIDENCE – A cheetah which had lived at the Roger Williams Park Zoo for nearly a decade has died after her health “declined significantly” in recent months, the zoo announced Thursday morning.
“The Roger Williams Park Zoo is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Becca, one of our cherished cheetahs,” the zoo said in a press release. “Becca, aged 10, peacefully passed away surrounded by the devoted staff who cared for her.”
Becca was suffering from gastritis, or inflammation and ulcers in her stomach, according to the zoo. The zoo made the “difficult decision” to euthanize the her after her medical condition worsened, and it became evident that further medical treatment “would not be feasible,” the zoo said.
“Her caregivers will cherish Becca’s memory for her sweet but sassy disposition. Along with her sisters, she brought joy to countless guests,” Amy Roberts, chief zoological officer, said.
Gastritis is a common ailment among cheetahs, according to the zoo, and is difficult to treat. Her condition worsened despite changes to her diet, medications and “specialized medical interventions,” the zoo said. A sister of Becca named Johari also suffered from gastritis before she was put down in November 2022.