A different set of cheetah cubs at the National Zoo. Photo by Jen Zoon, Smithsonian’s National Zoo.

Back in November, the National Zoo’s cheetah, Ally, gave birth to a liter of cubs at the Smithsonian’s Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Va. While the birth went smoothly, the cubs suffered some complications from their mother.

According to the Zoo, shortly after the birth of the cubs, Zoo staff witnessed some unusual behavior in caring for her young:

Ally was observed carrying the cubs an unusual amount in her outdoor enclosure, moving the cubs from the heated den and keeping them outside for extended periods of time. This immediately raised concerns with the cheetah staff, and they decided to remove one cub because of the cub’s lethargy. An examination revealed puncture wounds to the back of the cub’s neck as well as an infection.

Unfortunately, Zoo staff didn’t get to the cub fast enough and “the infection was too advanced” and had to be euthanized. Zoo staff found that Ally’s other cubs were suffering from similar infections from puncture wounds and had to take them away from their mother in order to ensure their survival. Despite a 25 percent survival rate, veterinarians and other Zoo staff were able to care for the cheetah cubs and report that they’re expected to make a full recovery. From the Zoo:

The team of cheetah keepers, veterinarians, technicians and animal care experts had to make quick decisions about medical treatment and hand-rearing. With a 25 percent chance for survival with the best possible care, our team’s efforts saved three genetically-valuable cubs who can now give back to the Species Survival Plan® for cheetahs. While the first choice is always to have a mother rear her offspring, our team always trains and prepares for emergencies like this through routine and established protocols when any animal gives birth.

The cubs are expected to leave the veterinary hospital soon and return back to the SCBI Cheetah Science Facility in Front Royal, where they’ll try to cross-foster them with a different cheetah and set of cubs, born weeks before them. No word if the cheetah cubs will make an appearance at the National Zoo anytime soon.