Cheetah cubs have a slow, gentle start in life

The cheetah is known as the fastest and one of the most beautiful animals on earth. A mother cheetah's maternal role is critical to the survival of the species, which has been considered endangered since the Sixties. For 18 months, mothers must raise their cubs from tiny, helpless creatures - only ten ounces in weight and less than 12 inches long - into grown animals capable of taking care of themselves.