Cheetah Rescue Initiatives
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
Cheetah Rehabilitation
ARC (Animal Rescue Centre) faces one of its greatest challenges in the Cheetah Breeding Initiative due to the daunting task of rehabilitating captive-bred cheetahs that can never be released back into the wild. However, despite facing initial financial setbacks due to a poaching attack on three of Aquila’s Rhino’s, we remained determined.
Our mission to combat the rapid decline of cheetah numbers in the Karoo wilderness, primarily caused by habitat loss and conflict with domestic animal populations, remains at the forefront of our conservation efforts.
To date, we are thrilled to announce that the Cheetah Rescue Initiative has made remarkable progress. As we continue on this journey, we invite you to be a part of this critical conservation initiative. With your support, we can further our efforts in protecting South Africa’s cheetah population for generations to come.
Our Hope For Future Generations
While breeding in captivity is very difficult, ARC’s cheetah programme has led to three successful litters born at Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve, a huge achievement for any wildlife reserve and animal rescue organisation.
Our rehabilitation camps are set up in such a way to allow cheetahs that show interest in one another to interact in a more natural manner. And, thanks to the unwavering support of our rescue team and much-need public donations, we are actively contributing towards the preservation of the Western Cape’s cheetah population and genetic diversity.
The Karoo Cheetah Project
A lot of work goes into ensuring every cheetah has the best nutrition, exercise, social stimulation, and enriching environment possible. The diet and exercise needs of cheetahs are extremely important, and it’s something we prioritise for their long-term well being.
The cheetahs are fed a varied diet, containing, for example, full feathered birds, red meat, game meat, and rabbit. As part of their rehabilitation, the cheetah engage in “The Cheetah Run,” reaching speeds of up to 120kmph while chasing a lure down a safe runway.
Cheetahs in South Africa
The fastest land mammal on earth, the cheetah is classified as vulnerable on the IUCN’s Red List (the International Union for Conservation), with two sub-species of cheetah classified as critical.
South Africa’s cheetah population is a fraction of what it once was. Today, there are only about 1726 cheetahs in the South African wilderness, of which approximately 500 free-roaming cheetah live on unprotected farm lands and nature reserves in the Karoo and northern provinces.
There is a pressing need to help conserve and protect our country’s wild African cheetah population. ARC, in partnership with Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve and the Aquila Collection, are committed to reintroducing wild cheetahs back into the Karoo and the Western Cape.
