What is the lifespan of a cheetah?

Cheetahs typically have an average lifespan of between 10 and 12 years in the wild. The cheetah has a poor survival outlook as a cub, because as many as 90 percent of all cheetah cubs die before reaching three months old, usually falling victim to lions and hyenas.

In captivity, where the typical dangers posed to the animal on the African savannas are removed and additional protection and care are afforded, cheetahs can reach 17 years of age. However, the average lifespan is between eight and 12 years. Scientists estimate that between 7,000 and 10,000 cheetahs remain in the wild.