Watch Five Adorable Newborn Cheetah Cubs Grow on a Livestream From the Smithsonian's Conservation Biology Institute

Safe in their den, a new litter of cheetah cubs curls up for nap time. One extends an arm and leg in a big stretch, and another stumbles over its siblings to nurse. Five tiny bodies are piled together, one black-spotted coat blending into another.

In a milestone for cheetah conservation, the five cubs were born on October 5 at the Smithsonian’s Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia. When they’re not snoozing, the healthy, young cats are active—they started climbing on their mother on day one. Somebody always needs to be groomed.

Somebody always needs a bath.” Zura, who at 5 years old is a first-time mother, has taken it all in stride. She’s an incredibly calm and attentive parent, and she’s dedicating almost every moment of her time to the cubs. Today, she ventured out of the den to get a bite to eat for the first time since their birth.

It typically takes about four to seven days before they open their eyes, and their ears—initially “flat against their little heads,” Crosier says—will stand up days later. For now, the care staff is hands-off with the cubs, letting the feline family bond without interference. But they’re keeping a close eye on the cheetah cub cam, which shows scenes from within the den.

The online live stream also gives viewers around the world a special window into the animals’ lives, especially since the Front Royal facility is closed to the public. The cubs will grow rapidly as they nurse. They’ll put on about 50 grams of weight daily—something between a golf ball and an egg.

After about three or four weeks, they’ll start to grow curious when Zura leaves the den to eat or drink, gathering at the door when she exits. Eventually, animal care staff will come into the den and look at the cheetahs to make sure they seem healthy. They’ll pick up a cub, bring it outside to a scale to get its weight, then deposit it back with the family a few minutes later.