Cheetahs return to Eswatini
after more than 35 years
Royal Jozini, ESWATINI (June 23, 2026) — Four cheetahs have been successfully reintroduced to Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve, marking the establishment of a founder population and the return of cheetahs to Eswatini after more than 35 years. The project forms part of the Southern African cheetah metapopulation program and represents a historic milestone in the restoration of large carnivores within the Kingdom.
Historically, cheetahs occurred widely across Eswatini; however, habitat loss, persecution and declining prey populations led to their disappearance from much of the country. Records indicate that the last viable cheetah population was present during the 1980s.
The reintroduction was completed in two phases.
In December 2025, two adult female cheetahs were translocated from Nyosi Wildlife Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape through a collaboration between Nyosi Wildlife Reserve and the Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa, supported by Mantis and ALL Accor Members. Following quarantine, veterinary clearance and a 30-day acclimatization period, the females were released into Royal Jozini in January 2026. Since their release, both animals have adapted exceptionally well, successfully hunting and establishing themselves within the reserve.
The second phase followed in April 2026, when two adult male cheetahs sourced from Dinokeng Game Reserve were translocated to Royal Jozini by the Wildlife Emergency Fund and The Metapopulation Initiative, with tracking collars provided by WeWild Africa.
The cheetahs all underwent quarantine and veterinary management at Kifaru Wildlife Veterinary Services before being transported to Eswatini and released following a further acclimatization period.
Today, all four cheetahs are being monitored daily through satellite and VHF tracking and field observations.
Recent monitoring has shown that the males are exploring extensively in the northern and eastern portions of the reserve, while the females continue to thrive and make regular kills. Tracking data indicates that the males and females are now occupying neighboring areas, raising hopes that Eswatini could welcome its first cheetah cubs in decades in the near future.
“Today marks a historic milestone for Eswatini, with cheetahs returning to the country for the first time in more than 30 years. What makes this reintroduction especially meaningful for our Global Humane Society team is that the two females were raised by a rehabilitated, and successfully rewilded cheetah at Nyosi Wildlife Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, demonstrating the lasting conservation impact of investing in animal welfare. Their journey is a powerful reminder that when we give wildlife a second chance, the benefits can extend across generations.”
Taryn Gillson, Regional Director Africa, Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa
Jay Azran, Managing Director of Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve, described the project as a defining moment in Eswatini’s conservation history.
“The successful introduction of two male and two female cheetahs into Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve in the Kingdom of ESwatini marks a defining moment in ESwatini’s conservation history. For the first time in over three decades, cheetahs once again roam this part of our country, restoring an important piece of Eswatini’s natural heritage and strengthening our commitment to biodiversity conservation. Royal Jozini was established with a vision of transforming this remarkable landscape into a world-class conservation and eco-tourism destination, and today we take another significant step towards realizing that vision.
This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication, expertise, and collaboration of our many stakeholders, and we extend our sincere gratitude to every individual who played a role in making this translocation a success.
The return of cheetahs is not only a victory for Royal Jozini, but for conservation across Eswatini. It demonstrates what can be achieved when public and private sectors work together with a shared commitment to protecting our wildlife for future generations. We look forward to seeing these magnificent animals thrive in their new home and contribute to the long-term conservation legacy of our Kingdom.”
The project was made possible through collaboration between Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve, Nyosi Wildlife Reserve, Dinokeng Game Reserve, the Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa, The Metapopulation Initiative, Kifaru Wildlife Veterinary Services, and the Wildlife Emergency Fund, together with support from wildlife authorities in both South Africa and Eswatini.
‘Cross-Border Translocations are extremely challenging and require a large number of collaborating partners to be successful. We are absolutely thrilled that Eswatini is once again, and we look forward to seeing these four cheetahs making a meaningful contribution to the cheetah population in Southern Africa. Another conservation success story for this incredible species.’ Confirmed Dereck Milburn from the Wildlife Emergency Fund.
With all four animals settled and thriving, the focus now shifts to the next chapter: establishing a self-sustaining breeding population that can contribute to cheetah conservation both within Eswatini and across the wider Southern African metapopulation network.
Kulani Nyakane of The Metapopulation Initiative said the project demonstrates what can be achieved through long-term collaboration and coordinated conservation planning across the region:
“For The Metapopulation Initiative, being part of Eswatini’s cheetah conservation journey is both an honour and a powerful reminder of what conservation can achieve when people come together with a shared purpose. Seeing these 4 cheetahs return to landscapes where they once disappeared represents more than the recovery of a species; it represents hope, restoration, and a renewed future for cheetahs.
We are proud to continue the vision and legacy laid by Vinny (Vincent van der Merwe), and we look forward to walking this journey alongside our partners in Eswatini. Initiatives like these show that lasting conservation success is only possible through collaboration, commitment, and a collective mission to restore Africa’s wild landscapes for both wildlife and people.”
Media Assets
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About Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve
Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve is located in southern Eswatini on the shores of Lake Jozini, the country’s largest freshwater lake. Situated within the Nsubane-Pongola Transfrontier Conservation Area, the reserve encompasses approximately 14,000 hectares of bushveld, mountain and freshwater ecosystems. Royal Jozini is committed to habitat protection, biodiversity conservation, anti-poaching initiatives, and the restoration of key wildlife species while supporting sustainable tourism and community development. For more information, visit www.royaljozini.com.
The Metapopulation Initiative (TMI) is a non-profit, public-benefit organisation dedicated to conserving cheetahs and other wild species and their habitats for the benefit of all people. TMI manages the Southern African cheetah metapopulation, widely regarded as the only growing wild cheetah population in the world. Through strategic translocations, scientific management, and partnerships with reserves, researchers and conservation authorities, TMI works to maintain the genetic and demographic integrity of cheetah populations while expanding their historical range across Africa. For more information, visit https://themetapopulationinitiative.org/
About the Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa
The Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa (GH-CFA), an initiative under Global Humane, is deeply committed to the preservation and protection of Africa’s wildlife and wilderness areas. As the international brand of American Humane, the oldest national animal welfare organization in the United States, Global Humane’s mission resonates with a legacy of nearly 150 years of pioneering efforts. Based in South Africa, GH-CFA focuses on conserving, rewilding, and safeguarding Africa’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Through our strategic initiatives – Space for Species, Wildlife & Biodiversity, and Conservation for Communities – we strive to create safe habitats, enhance genetic diversity, and promote the interconnectedness of all species. For more information, please visit www.GlobalHumane.africa, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and subscribe to our channel on YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.
About The Wildlife Emergency Fund
The Wildlife Emergency Fund (WEF) is dedicated to providing an Emergency Response Service for at-risk wildlife across South Africa and ultimately the entire continent. By channelling public funds directly to urgent wildlife emergencies and maintaining a robust “War Chest,” we ensure immediate, unimpeded assistance. Our extensive network of industry-expert agents allows us to deliver the highest standard of emergency care, speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves. WEF operates under the conviction that conservation is a public interest and responsibility, essential for sustaining wildlife during their most critical times. For more information, visit www.wef.ngo, Instagram, and Facebook.
About WeWild Africa
WeWild Africa was founded in 2019 by veteran conservation experts with 100+ years collective experience in wildlife conservation in Africa. WeWild Africa We have worked in some of the most challenging places and situations in the world, with a never-give-up mindset. Through partnerships with key stakeholders and committed organizations and reserves, WeWild Africa is able to make decisions quickly and provide seemingly impossible solutions. Since 2019 the organization has directly impacted over 1000 animals through rescue or rewilding. For more information visit: www.wewildafrica.com, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and Youtube.
Media Contacts:
WeWild Africa
Wiki West: +1 (757) 358-5860