HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI PARK
REVIVING A SPECIES
The journey to rebuild the cheetah population began back in June 2015, during a conversation between Andrew Bone, the founder of Forever Wild, and Chris Kelly of Wildlife ACT. At that time, it was estimated that there were only a dozen cheetahs in the park. However, after thorough monitoring, a shocking reality emerged: there was only one cheetah—a solitary female—roaming across nearly 1,000 square kilometres without competition. This discovery ignited the foundation’s mission to introduce a viable, breeding population of cheetahs back into the park.
In March 2016, the Forever Wild Foundation partnered with Ezemvelo Wildlife and Wildlife ACT to initiate a bold effort: reintroducing and bolstering the cheetah population in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. This conservation project aimed to create a stronghold for cheetahs in the region, ensuring that genetic diversity was maintained by introducing new individuals and facilitating a thriving, sustainable breeding population.
LOCATING SUITABLE CHEETAHS
Finding young and genetically diverse cheetahs that are born in areas where lions are present, ensures they have developed an instinctive caution around these predators.
FUNDING
The acquisition, relocation, and monitoring of cheetahs demand significant financial investment to ensure their safety and successful integration into protected habitats.
RELOCATION AND RELEASE
This delicate process is carried out by experts, ensuring that the cheetahs are safely captured, transported, released, and well-adapted to their new environment.
With the help of Wildlife ACT’s dedicated monitoring teams, every introduced cheetah is tracked, and their well-being is carefully recorded. Since the project began, both male and female cheetahs have been released into Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, with some going on to produce cubs, helping the population grow.
The programme has seen remarkable success.
THE WORK CONTINUES
The work is far from over. While the programme has had great success, maintaining a healthy population requires continued effort. Collars need regular replacement, monitoring equipment must be updated, and veterinary supplies are essential for the cheetahs’ welfare. The dedicated professionals at Ezemvelo and Wildlife ACT work tirelessly to ensure the cheetahs are safe and thriving.
Forever Wild Foundation’s cheetah conservation initiative is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, dedication, and a shared passion for preserving wildlife. Thanks to the efforts of our partners and supporters, the cheetah population in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi is growing, giving hope to this majestic species.
Your support can
make a difference
By donating to Forever Wild, you help ensure that future generations of cheetahs will have a safe and thriving environment. Together, we can help the fastest animal on earth flourish once more.
THE WORK CONTINUES
The work is far from over. While the programme has had great success, maintaining a healthy population requires continued effort. Collars need regular replacement, monitoring equipment must be updated, and veterinary supplies are essential for the cheetahs’ welfare. The dedicated professionals at Ezemvelo and Wildlife ACT work tirelessly to ensure the cheetahs are safe and thriving.
Forever Wild Foundation’s cheetah conservation initiative is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, dedication, and a shared passion for preserving wildlife. Thanks to the efforts of our partners and supporters, the cheetah population in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi is growing, giving hope to this majestic species.
