Eliminating the threat of infectious diseases

Our resident cheetahs, at our Cheetah Rescue and Conservation Centre (CRCC), in Somaliland, face an immediate threat of infectious diseases, carried by stray and domestic animals.

Rabies, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis Calicivirus Panleukopenia (FVRCP), distemper,  and other transmissible diseases, carried by stray cats and dogs, pose a real threat to our resident cheetahs, at CRCC in Somaliland as well as cheetahs in the wild and the local communities.

These resident cheetahs have been rescued from the illegal wildlife trade at a very young age and are unlikely to ever be released back to the wild.  That is why we have provided them with spacious enclosures, surrounded by their natural habitat, where they are safe and secure, and can live out the rest of their lives peacefully.

Stray populations becoming a problem

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of stray dogs and cats in Somaliland. This overpopulation is a serious problem, which impacts our resident cheetahs, but also other wildlife, communities, livestock and public health.  

These stray dogs and cats are reproducing uncontrollably; it’s an endless breeding cycle. And, it goes without saying, the more stray animals there are, the greater risk for spreading infectious diseases. 

The immediate issue for our cheetahs are the new arrivals, the next cheetah(s) rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. The cubs are often kept in small villages, nomadic camps and through towns, all of which have stray cats and dogs, which could infect the stolen cheetah cub(s).  Furthermore, despite our best efforts, we do have stray cats wandering into CRCC, as they can get through the fences.

Our plan of action

Our initial plan is to vaccinate all 98 resident cheetahs (and our one leopard and one caracal) against the potential life-threatening diseases. And once completed, we will turn to phase two of this initiative, where we will work outside of the centre to vaccinate, neuter and spay, the stray animals around CRCC and Geed Deeble.

Will you help us protect our resident cheetahs from life-threatening diseases?

This programme is vital in safeguarding the long-term wellbeing of our resident cheetahs. Your kind gift will help will help us in the initial phase of vaccinating all 98 resident cheetahs (and one leopard and one caracal) at CRCC in Somaliland, before we move to the second phase of treating the stray animals. Please, if you can, give a gift, and help support this urgent appeal.