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Monday, November 23, 2009

Photo: Most Captive-Born Predators Die If Released


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Three male African cheetahs look around their new home at Washington, D.C.'s National Zoo on May 31, 2007.

A new study shows that captive-born large carnivores, such as cheetahs, tigers, and brown bears, have a 3 to 1 chance at surviving freedom.

Scientists say the predators do not possess the natural behaviors, such as competing with rivals, that are needed for success in the wild.

Photograph by Gerald Herbert/AP