Columbus Zoo shares update on dog who was best friends with cheetah

Watch a previous report on the death of cheetah Emmett in the player above.

POWELL, Ohio ( WCMH ) — After the heartbreaking death of a popular cheetah named Emmett, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is giving an update on the big cat’s best friend Cullen, a yellow Labrador retriever.

In a social media post, the zoo revealed that many guests have been asking about Cullen’s well-being.

“First, we want to thank you for the outpouring of support we felt as we said goodbye to a beloved cheetah, Emmett,” the zoo wrote in the post’s caption. “We mentioned that Emmett was raised with his best friend, a yellow Labrador retriever named Cullen, and many of you asked how he has been doing since Emmett’s farewell.”

The zoo said the Wild Encounters Africa team was consulted about Cullen and they reported the dog is “doing well” and has been spending time with Cash, the other dog in the cheetah exhibit.

“Cullen still loves meeting Zoo guests during his walks and also greets them on the behind-the-scenes Cheetah Experience tour, too,” the zoo added.

Guests lucky enough to spot Cullen on zoo grounds are encouraged to ask to make his acquaintance.

“If you see Cullen out-and-about with his team during your visit, feel free to ask if you can meet him…He’s a well-loved member of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium family,” said the zoo.

Emmett, who was born at The Wilds in 2016 according to the zoo, died in late June after battling health issues for some time.

“Emmett started his life on shaky ground but grew to become one of our most beloved and impactful residents,” the zoo wrote in a post announcing the animal’s death. “His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched and the profound contributions he made to cheetah conservation.”

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