With less than 7500 cheetahs left worldwide (less than 1200 wild cheetahs left in RSA) the urgency to repopulate the dwindling numbers has become apparent.  This is the main objective behind the Running Wild Conservation. Breeding cheetah for the sole purpose of reintroduction we strive to return the population of Africa's most endangered large mammal, the cheetah back to a self-sustaining number of individuals. By using our rewilding training regime and post release monitoring efforts we ensure the ultimate survival rate for these cats. Research and education play a huge role in future reintroduction objectives and these points are focused on at the center. 

 

The trade in cheetah as pets has hit an all-time high. Most cubs are bred in captivity and sold off to wealthy buyers as a fashionable pet. Unfortunately most of these cats never reach the age of one year due to incorrect diet and care, or abuse.

 

In South Africa right now there are enough people with the passion, dedication and knowledge to fulfill that specific need, land to perform the hunting training can be acquired or leased, sponsorship to fund this type of project is out there, and breeders need to join these dedicated people to help build a sustainable wild cheetah population.

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Too many cheetahs are currently bred for commercial purposes, leaving us with more cheetahs in captivity than in protected reserves. South Africa specifically needs a mind change if we want to halt the eminent extinction of our wild cheetah population. Conservationists, scientists and governmental bodies need to understand that a conventional approach to the problem on hand cannot and will not change the facts mentioned above. We all need to start working together and think outside the box if we want any chance of turning this problem around that includes other means and ways of supplementing the current wild cheetah population with healthy, genetically superior animals.

 

In short, with selective breeding protocols, the correct hunting training regime, thorough dehumanizing techniques to avoid human conflict post release, non-intrusive post- release monitoring strategies and very selective relocation areas, cheetah reintroduction is possible and perhaps the only way to ensure the species can survive in South Africa.

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The GOAL behind the Running Wild Conservation:

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As mentioned above the main goal will be to breed and release cheetah back into the wild to supplement the current dwindling population. This program consists of different stages from hunting training and predator avoidance to release and post-release monitoring. Under no circumstances will we trade with cheetah, these animals will be released under a custodian basis to ensure the best possible outcome and future management for the released animals.  

Besides our cheetah rewilding program, we provide a lifelong haven for rescued animals, ensuring they live with care, 
compassion, and freedom from stress. We are dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned or injured wildlife, with the goal of returning them to their natural habitats. 

We provide a haven to animals that cannot be released back into the wild, as well as a “day care” for animals that were abandoned, injured, traumatized, in need of care, support, medical attention and a forever home.

We strive to make life as normal as possible for animals by ensuring their happiness and well-being.

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We offer a world class conservation program for volunteers, students and interns which allows you to be part of a holistic conservation effort. Your involvement helps support these vital efforts, making a real difference in the lives of animals and the preservation of bio-diversity. Your contribution doesn’t just help individual animals; it supports the broader mission of protecting endangered species like the cheetah, restoring their populations, and creating awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation. Volunteering at a sanctuary is a chance to make a tangible difference, witness the resilience of nature, and become part of a global effort to care for and preserve the wild.

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 our pledge:

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• To ensure the survival of the cheetah for future generations.

• To ensure a viable genetic diversity by genetic introduction and studies.

• To provide crucial education to the public and farming entities.

• To provide platforms for further carnivore studies.

• To repopulate the now cheetah deprived areas of South Africa.

• To provide a sanctuary for old, or non-releasable, and mistreated cheetah.

• To not trade under any circumstances with any of our animals. 

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Reproduce, rewild and re-introduce!

Give back their right to be free.

We owe it to them.

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"When we return wild animals to nature, we merely return them to what is already theirs.

For man cannot give wild animals freedom, they can only take it away." - Jacques Cousteau