Weird NewsPET OF THE DAY

National Zoo welcomes 5 newborn cheetahs

The cubs are the twenty-first litter born in the Smithsonian cheetah population since two thousand seven; they are the fastest animals on land and currently asleep.

On air: Chip Darnell and Vera Bullock on Weekend Edition
Published 5:17 PM ET, Saturday, October 10, 2026

Photo: Cheetah — Photo: AfricanConservation · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

At a glance

First reported by The Washington Times: “National Zoo welcomes 5 newborn cheetahs”.
Covered on BBN on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 5:17 PM ET on Weekend Edition, by Chip Darnell and Vera Bullock.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The Washington TimesNational Zoo welcomes 5 newborn cheetahs

What BBN said about it

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorThe National Zoo in Washington announced five newborn cheetahs.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorIt is the twenty-first litter born in the Smithsonian population since two thousand seven, the Washington Times reports.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorFive cubs. I am so happy I could cry, and I'm going to.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorToday's Pets of the Day, officially. Title: Fastest Land Mammals, Currently Asleep. Stat line: zero miles per hour, five naps.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorUndefeated at napping. I'm adding Lifetime Achievement. They are only days old.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorTwenty-one litters. That's a dynasty.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorIn a few minutes, a star, a red card and a very awkward grab. Meanwhile, how many grams of speed are in these cubs? Zero.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorSugar-free. Adorable.