The fastest land animal in the world is losing its most important race: the race for survival. At the turn of the century an estimated 100,000 cheetah lived in 44 countries throughout Africa and Asia. Today, the worldwide cheetah population is estimated at 15,000. South Africa is home to fewer than 600 of these majestic cats.
In January of 1997, Cheetah Outreach was founded to support cheetah conservation and to heighten public awareness of the plight of this endangered species.
Founder Annie Beckhelling, launched the project with a hectare of land provided by Spier Wine Estates located in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Cheetah Outreach then set out to introduce cheetah to the South African community. Educational efforts began with two cheetahs: Shadow, a one-year-old male, capable of travelling to community events, and Inca, a six-old male, whose role was to greet Spier visitors.
Cheetah Outreach aims to increase the awareness of the diminishing numbers of free ranging cheetahs in the wild; assist Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), Namibia and De Wildt Wildlife Breeding Centre, South Africa in their efforts to ensure the survival of the cheetah by fundraising and awareness; and where possible to breed cheetah in captivity.Contact: Annie Beckhelling, cheetah(a)intecom.co.za