In January, three orphaned sub-adult cheetahs (one male and two females) were found outside a protected park in KwaZulu-Natal in poor condition, having gone without food for an extended period.
The ACT and Ezemvelo teams responded, darting all three animals. With support from the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), the cheetahs were transported to a holding facility and later moved to Ngongoni in Nelspruit for specialised veterinary care and rehabilitation.
Unfortunately, one of the females did not survive. The remaining female is recovering well and remains in Ngongoni until she is ready to return to the wild. The male cheetah made a strong recovery.
The male was relocated to UmPhafa Nature Reserve, where close monitoring is possible without tourism pressure. Two of our trustees, Andrew Bone and Felix Jackson, were there to witness the relocation. He was released into a holding boma, where he settled quickly. After a two-week monitoring period, he will be released into the greater reserve.
Forever Wild Foundation supported the rehabilitation of both cheetahs by covering medical costs and medication, as well as the transportation and relocation of the male.
“We are grateful to support initiatives like this, where collaboration and intervention can give wildlife a second chance,” said Andrew Bone.
