WILDLIFE
What makes a baby cheetah so cute? Meet our tournament champion.
Kelsey MonstrolaUpdated April 7, 2026, 11:43 a.m. ET
And the winner of the 2026 Cute Baby Animals Tournament is ... baby cheetah! In the USA TODAY Pets March Madness-style tournament, 16 of the cutest creatures went head-to-head for your vote. Scroll down for adorable photos of this year’s winner showing why we just can’t get enough of baby cheetahs!
Priyanthi Williams, Getty Images
Their fur is adorably soft and fuzzy.
StuPorts, Getty Images/iStockphoto
No one can resist those rounded faces.
StuPorts, Getty Images/iStockphoto
Every yawn makes you want to snuggle them.
Alexey Osokin, Getty Images/iStockphoto
Those iconic black "tear marks" add to the charm.
Nicholas_dale, Getty Images
Their bright pink tongues steal the spotlight.
KenCanning, Getty Images/iStockphoto
They do big stretches just like our cats and dogs.
Hedrus, Getty Images/iStockphoto
Those innocent eyes can melt any heart.
Tane-mahuta, Getty Images/iStockphoto
Tiny spots on tiny bodies amp up the cuteness.
Tane-mahuta, Getty Images/iStockphoto
Check out that adorable paw.
Pjmalsbury, Getty Images/iStockphoto
The sounds cubs make when trying to be ferocious come out like chirps and squeaks.
NightOwlZA, Getty Images/iStockphoto
They'll eventually grow into the fastest land animal, but for now, these fluffy cubs can bask in the glory of winning the cuteness crown.
GP232, Getty Images/iStockphotoFeatured Weekly Ad