Iran mourns loss of Pirouz, critically endangered cheetah cub
Many Iranians had been closely following the critically endangered cheetah cub, which became a symbol of hope amid hardship and state repression.
Iranians woke up on Tuesday to the death of Pirouz, a cheetah cub of the critically endangered Asiatic species and the very last one of them in captivity. Symbolizing hope for many Iranians, Pirouz had been making headlines since last May when he survived being born via a C-section while his two siblings were stillborn.
Pirouz, whose Persian name means "triumphant," suffered one complication after another during his 10-month life. Last Thursday, he was hospitalized for dialysis under a team of veterinarians at a Tehran clinic as they battled to prevent kidney failure.
Clinic chief Omid Moradi delivered the news in a sad video message. "The health complications he was coping with … left him with no other fate than departure," he said. "I appreciate that he was the source of hope for many."
During one of the darkest years for the people of Iran, Pirouz (“Victorious”), an endangered Asiatic cheetah born in captivity, was a symbol of hope.
He died today of acute kidney failure (and due to mismanagement by Iranian authorities).
RIP “son of Iran.” 🖤 #پیروز pic.twitter.com/AKh2zcHdlN
