National Zoo Euthanizes 8-Year-Old Cheetah

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Smithsonian's National Zoo has euthanized an 8-year-old male cheetah.

Zoo officials say Draco, who arrived at the zoo in 2007 from White Oak Conservation Center in Yulee, Fla., was put down Wednesday.

Draco had not been eating well. Last month, veterinarians found a constricted, ulcerated area in his gastrointestinal tract.

The Washington Post reports that Draco had been on exhibit with his brothers, Granger and Zabini.

Zoo officials say male cheetahs usually live about 10 years in captivity.

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