Urgent Appeal: Help care for rescued cheetah cubs

Every time the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) rescues a cheetah cub, it's a moment filled not with joy, but deep sadness - because each cub represents a life torn from the wild, and a future that should have been free.

In the first half of 2025 alone, six young cheetahs have been rescued from the illegal wildlife trade in the Horn of Africa. These are the newest victims of a brutal industry that traffics cubs to feed the exotic pet market. Traumatized, malnourished, and often separated from their mothers far too soon, these cubs now need intensive, round-the-clock care to survive.

Meet the survivors

The first four cubs, known as the Abdullahi Group, were rescued in February from the illegal wildlife trade. Local authorities intervened after they were found trafficked across borders - malnourished, dehydrated, and vulnerable. They received immediate veterinary attention, including subcutaneous fluids and high-density nutrition to stabilise them. Marline, a gentle female, now explores confidently, while Tiny Tim - born with a femoral head defect - is thriving with daily joint supplements and modified enrichment to protect his leg. Shave remains understandably shy and Good Boy, calm and affectionate, is adapting well but stays reserved around humans. Both still await their permanent names. 

In mid-April, two more cubs arrived under similar traumatic circumstances. T Swift (Taylor Swift) came in highly defensive - she avoids close contact and needs quiet observation to integrate. Her companion, named Khalid, shows confidence but continues to undergo regular health checks with CCF’s veterinary team.

We recently introduced the two groups and they’re now living together happily. These cubs, aged around 2–4 months, are thriving but require intensive care, nutrition, medical support, and enrichment for their first year.

Their needs

For cubs like Tiny Tim, with joint issues, or T-Swift, who remains anxious, their care plans include additional attention such as physical therapy, joint supplements, or tailored socialisation strategies. Every day requires skilled care, patience, and resources - and it is only through donor support that this life-saving work can continue.

Why they need your help

Each cub’s first year with us costs £6,600 ($9,000) covering:

- Specialist milk formulas & fresh meat;

- Veterinary check-ups, vaccinations and supplements;

- Enrichment toys, naturalistic feeding setups & habitat adaptation;

- Dedicated keeper staff time for feeding, socialisation & monitoring.

This is the most vulnerable period in their lives. Without proper nutrition and care, they risk chronic health issues and failure to develop normal behaviours.

While our colleagues in the United States are generously working to raise funds for the of care of the first four of the rescued cubs, we at CCF UK are urgently seeking support to cover the costs for the remaining two. These young cubs, survivors of the illegal wildlife trade, require round-the-clock care, expert veterinary support, and a safe, enriching environment to grow and heal. The annual cost to care for each cub is £6,600, meaning we need to raise a total of £13,200 ($18,000) to ensure they receive the support they need over the next 12 months.

Your gift today will directly impact their survival - and help give them the future they were so nearly denied. Please, help the cubs if you can.