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Cape Town, February 12, 2022
Known as the fastest land animal in the world, Cheetahs can reach running speeds of up to 120kmh. As a core component of ARC’s (Aquila’s Animal Rescue Centre) Cheetah Breeding Initiative and rehabilitation programme, the cheetah have to run for their supper. Not only does this help recreate the ‘thrill of the hunt’, but it also encourages the promotion of mental and physical exercise for the animals. To achieve this, the cheetah chase a specially designed lure down a safe runway, allowing them to run at full speed. When caught, they are rewarded with food.
Our spacious and clean holding camps also allow the cheetah to run freely in the veld every morning, promoting natural behaviours and daily routines observed in the wild. Once a week, they experience a “fast day,” simulating their hunting instincts in enriched areas, which include high vantage points, trees exercise and scratching, waterholes and other items, such as skins, bones and hooves.
In Partnership with ARC, Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve has fast-tracked its cheetah conservation efforts, prioritising the ethical treatment and conservation of the cheetah. A decision was made to form an ethics committee, with the objective to examine the previous conservation programme and implement a new approach to captive-bred cheetah rehabilitation. The new programme removed monetised cheetah experiences and guest interactions, focusing instead on the promotion the cheetahs’ natural behaviours and hunting instincts.
With a commitment to South Africa’s animal conservation guidelines and ethical practices, guests will only have the opportunity to view the cheetah running exercises from a distance or aboard open game viewing vehicles.
"The animals are content and well cared for. Inverdoorn's cheetah are most probably some of the luckiest captive cheetahs in South Africa – based on conditions, care, contentment and quality of life enhancement programmes..."
Inverdoorn’s impactful changes demonstrate the reserve’s dedication to responsible and ethical wildlife tourism. A committee inspection has confirmed the cheetahs’ excellent quality of life, contentment, and outstanding care, solidifying ARC’s reputation as a leader in wildlife rescue and captive animal care in the Western Cape, South Africa.
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