Rewilding in Namibia - Bringing cheetahs back to the wild

Namibia is home to some of the last remaining wild cheetahs, but their future is under threat. Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and dwindling prey populations have pushed these majestic cats closer to extinction.  Cheetahs, injured due to human-wildlife conflict or other incidents, are sometimes received by the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) centre in Otjiwarongo, Namibia. The rehabilitation and rewilding of these wild born, captive-raised cheetahs is a vital part of our work to ensure that they can thrive in their natural environment once more. Sadly, not all cheetahs which arrive at CCF are candidates for rewilding, usually only those 6 months or older can be considered, making it even more vital that we return those when we can.

Cheetahs are not just iconic predators; they play a vital role in Namibia’s ecosystem, economy, and cultural heritage. As one of the last strongholds for wild cheetah population, conserving these magnificent cats is crucial. And you can help return these cheetahs back to the wild.

Meet Hela

In 2018, Hela arrived at CCF, as an orphaned cub, along with her brothers Thor and Loki.  Due to their age and other factors, these cubs were potential candidates for rewilding, so long as they maintained their wild behaviours and aversion to humans.

The cubs were placed into our rehabilitation enclosures where human interactions were kept to a minimum. Initially, they were housed with a few other orphaned cheetahs. As they reached adolescence, they were separated into male and female groups, with Hela being paired with Adina, while the males joined three others.

After two years of monitoring and assessment in our rehabilitation area, the time came to release Hela back into the wild. In July 2020, Adina and Hela underwent anaesthesia for a health check, which included weighing, measuring, collecting blood and faecal samples, and fitting satellite collars. They were then transferred to Erindi Private Game Reserve and placed in a pre-release enclosure, monitored and then released a few months later.

Hela excelled in her rehabilitation, becoming a proficient hunter. She regularly hunted prey and required no post-release assistance. In 2022, she was brought back to our centre as a candidate for the reintroduction programme into India. However, it was at this point we discovered that Hela was pregnant, and she subsequently gave birth to four cubs. Since their birth, our team in Namibia has been closely monitoring and caring for them.

After a few months, we re-introduced Hela and her cubs back to Erindi Private Game Reserve. Now, two years later, we have decided to fit tracking collars to Hela’s cubs to monitor them, ensure their safety and provide necessary care. Following baiting with a zebra leg, all the young cheetahs were safely measured, weighed, and fitted with collars.

In the wild, cheetah cubs typically spend approximately 18 months with their mothers, during which they learn critical life skills, most notably hunting. When adolescent, cheetahs finally leave their mothers and siblings often stick together for a few extra months to refine their hunting skills.

Hela’s journey from orphaned cheetah cub to wild mother gives hope to all wild cheetahs.  Hela’s story is one of success, and proof that even despite a difficult start to life, with the correct rehabilitation, some orphaned cheetahs can enjoy a wild life, as nature intended.  Will you help us rewild cheetahs in Namibia? 

This rewilding programme and the research behind it has created a model for global conservation that can be used by other cheetah conservation organisations. By successfully reintroducing cheetahs to the wild, CCF is demonstrating how science, community involvement and habitat protection come together to help save an endangered species.

Your gift will be worth twice as much! Thanks to our good friends at the Wildlife Foundation, you donation will be working twice as hard for wild cheetahs. The Wildlife Foundation will be matching all donations up to a total value of £10,000. Donate today and help us keep cheetahs in the wild.

Your support will play a vital role in ensuring the survival of wild cheetahs

Cheetah rewilding in Namibia is a critical conservation effort with far-reaching ecological, economic, and cultural benefits. As Namibia is home to one of the largest populations of cheetahs globally, the country plays a vital role in ensuring the survival of this endangered species. Here’s why your support for rewilding is so important:

Restoring Ecosystem Balance

Cheetahs are apex predators that play a key role in maintaining the health of ecosystems. By reintroducing cheetahs into the wild, we increase regulation of prey populations. This prevents overgrazing, supports plant diversity, and benefits other species that share the same habitats.

Strengthening Genetic Diversity

Rewilding programmes allow for the release of cheetahs into regions where populations have declined. This strengthens genetic diversity, reducing the risks associated with inbreeding and increasing the resilience of the species to environmental changes and disease.

Mitigating Human-Wildlife Conflict

Rewilding efforts in Namibia include community involvement and education to promote coexistence between people and cheetahs. By rewilding in carefully selected, safe habitats, we can translocate a cheetah caught attacking livestock, allowing us to move it to another protected area, fostering harmony between humans and wildlife. 

Preserving Namibia’s Natural Heritage

As a national symbol and cultural icon, the cheetah holds deep significance for Namibia. Rewilding ensures that future generations can experience the beauty of cheetahs in the wild, protecting the country's unique biodiversity and natural heritage.

Bringing hope to future generations of wild cheetahs

The cheetah is Africa’s most endangered big cat, with just over 7,000 remaining in the wild.  If we are to save the world’s remaining populations, we must act now.  Please, if you can, make a gift today, and help us rehabilitate and release more cheetahs like Hela and maintain Namibia as a stronghold for wild cheetah populations.

Many thanks for your continued support and generosity.

Rewilding cheetahs in Namibia is about more than just saving a species—it’s about restoring balance to the ecosystem, empowering local communities, ensuring a sustainable future for wildlife and people alike and building a model for others to replicate. Your support can help make this vision a reality.  🐾