Two of the Forever Wild Foundation trustees, Andrew Bone and Felix Jackson, recently assisted in the final chapter of a long and emotional journey undertaken by a young male cheetah.
In mid-November last year, ACT’s monitoring team received a report that a trio of cheetah cubs was seen outside of the park. A reaction group recovered the cubs, which were severely malnourished and obviously orphaned. It was decided to move the cubs to the Ngongoni Facility in Mpumalanga for professional treatment. At this early stage, the Foundation was asked to step in and assist with the finances, which was readily agreed upon.
Unfortunately, one of the females was past help, but the remaining female and male were reported to be making progress. In May, it was decided that the little boy had gained enough weight and condition to be released back into the wilds to fend for himself. The Foundation members were invited to attend the cheetah’s return to Zululand – albeit into an enclosure – to be able to monitor his adjustment.
The UmPhafa Reserve consists of 6 000 hectares of wilderness with abundant prey species, two existing cheetahs, and no lions. The relocated animals were collared and regularly monitored from 11 May, using drones and ground teams. He was released from his crate and dashed off to inspect his new home.
In early June, Andrew and Felix attended his release. Previously close to death, orphaned, and weak, the male cheetah is now a sleek hunting machine. Ryan, our veterinary doctor, darted the cheetah, fitted a new radio-monitoring collar, gave him a final physical check, carried him to a cool shaded spot outside of the enclosure, and administered the antidote.
It was with great relief that we watched the young cheetah spring to his feet and sprint into the nearby thicket, understandably a little groggy and confused, but ready to take his place as an apex predator in the wilds of Zululand.
His sister is still being cared for, not gaining enough condition for her release, but it is anticipated to follow in her brother’s footsteps soon.
“I wish to thank our hosts Anthony and Amanda at UmPhafa and commend them for the wonderful work they are doing amidst increasingly difficult financial times, to Ryan for his professional skills and dedication, to the Forever Wild Foundation trustees for giving this very worthy project the go-ahead, and finally to those friends and art collectors who support our Foundation,” said Andrew Bone.
Our next mountain to scale is a huge drive at the beginning of July to locate, dart, test and collar as many as 15 cheetah over a 7-day period, teaming up with Wildlife ACT and Ezemvelo Parks. Once again, the Foundation will be assisting and financing the project.
