Yay for cheetah rescues!

Cheetah cubs rescued in Ethiopia

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) -- Two cheetah cubs held captive and abused at a remote village restaurant in eastern Ethiopia are now in the custody of a government veterinarian and U.S. troops, a senior official said Monday.

Government vet Fekadu Shiferaw confiscated the 3-month-old cheetahs on Sunday from a restaurant owner in Gode, where they were being forced to fight each other for the amusement of children.

He gave them to U.S. troops for safekeeping until they can be flown to Addis Ababa, about 700 miles (1,127 kilometers) west of Gode, said Kifle Argaw, the government's senior wildlife vet.

"They are in the custody of the authorities and will receive medical treatment," Kifle said. "The U.S military has also agreed to divert a plane to Addis Ababa on Tuesday so we can bring the cheetahs and the vet to the capital."

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