The abandoned cheetah cubs are now bigger and fatter, and ready to celebrate their first Christmas together

When their mother rejected Kengo, Shomari, Kunjuki and Mazza after they were born in April, the keepers had to work around the clock to ensure their survival. The cubs were fed, cleaned up after, groomed, and now they're being watched to make sure the cheetahs get enough exercise and stick to their diet.

The cheetahs are gaining weight fast, their condition is improving, and even over a single weekend you can see how much they've grown. Tennis balls, frisbees and sticks keep the young animals entertained, and their diet consists mostly of horse meat with a weekly portion of chicken.

Graham Petrie says that each of the cheetahs is completely different from the others and needs individual care. The little lady (Mazza) is a bit fussy, Kengo is the biggest of the three boys and quite calm. Shomari is second, and Kunjuki is the smallest, which can make him more aggressive. A "girlfriend" for the males will be brought over from Africa in February.

Based on materials from Stuff.co.nz.