Vision and Goals
Our vision is to return captive cheetahs to the wild and strengthen the species’ genetic diversity while empowering people who live alongside conservation areas. We aim to manage rewilding programs, contribute to transnational rewilding protocols and support research that informs long-term conservation strategies. Cheetahs selected for reintroduction are released into secure, well-managed habitats where they have the opportunity to thrive. At the same time, we invest in local communities by training Cheetah Champions.
Partners
Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa works in partnership with Nyosi Wildlife Reserve, with The Metapopulation Initiative serving in an advisory capacity to support the successful reintroduction of captive cheetahs into protected wild spaces.
Nyosi Wildlife Reserve provides a secure, spacious environment where cheetahs can adapt to natural conditions, develop hunting skills, and build independence before final release into soft or low density predator reserves.
The Metapopulation Initiative manages the genetic and spatial health of cheetahs across fragmented reserves. The project coordinates relocations between reserves, shares best practice guidelines and promotes reintroduction efforts.
Project in Action
Cheetahs are Africa’s most endangered big cat, with fewer than 7,000 individuals remaining in the wild. In South Africa alone, just 1200 to 1700 wild cheetahs remain, while over 600 live in captivity. Many of these captive cheetahs cannot be released due to poor genetics or lack of survival skills but a small number, with suitable bloodlines and strong health, are carefully selected for rewilding.
The cheetah population has declined by 89% across its historic range. It is estimated that there were around 100,000 cheetahs globally in 1900, yet today there are fewer than 7,000 cheetahs left in the world.
The main causes of this decline are:
- Loss and fragmentation of habitat due to agriculture and urbanization
- Segregation of the cheetah population into 29 sub-populations which compromised their genetic integrity
- The escalation of conflict between cheetahs and humans, particularly in livestock farming regions, leading to further persecution of the species
- Inadequate protection measures. Many conservationists believe the conservation status for cheetahs is insufficient and are calling for cheetahs to be uplisted to ‘endangered’ which will afford them better protection measures
- The illegal breeding of cheetahs for the exotic pet trade has further compromised their genetic integrity
Our Cheetah Rewilding project responds directly to those concerns by rewilding selected cheetahs and managing their release into protected areas, while contributing to national reintroduction strategies.
The Rewilding Process
The process begins at accredited captive facilities, where cheetahs are provided with expert care and physical conditioning. Regular enrichment and exercise, such as chasing fast-moving lures, help build fitness and restore natural hunting behaviours.
Once ready, one to three cheetahs are transferred to Nyosi Wildlife Reserve for a structured soft-release phase.
They acclimate in large enclosures, transition to a wild diet and, where relevant, form male coalitions to improve survival outcomes.
Each cheetah is fitted with tracking devices and monitored closely. This phase typically lasts 6 to 12 months, depending on individual progress and readiness.
When fully self-sufficient, cheetahs are relocated to approved partner reserves. After a short acclimatisation period in enclosed areas, they are released into the wider landscape. Here, they are able to live wild, hunt naturally and contribute to the metapopulation’s genetic diversity.
Each phase is meticulously planned in line with best practice guidelines developed through The Metapopulation Initiative, which has overseen nearly 700 cheetah relocations since 2011.
