They lived on a farm in Namibia, were considered to be vermin and were going to be shot by the farmer! He claimed they were killing his sheep - an age old 'old wife's tale' which is sadly still the downfall of many a predator!

We decided to offer them a better chance in life. Unfortunately we have not entirely succeeded yet! The pair was put into the 'boma', a 100m x 100m large enclosure designed to receive translocated animals. They are first put in there to calm down and get used to the new surroundings, and also that they can be observed, checked and fitted with radio collars before they are released into the wild.

After their release in September they both moved north. 'Melissa', as the female was named, has established a territory in the northern corner of the conservancy and already caught bushbuck, impala, duiker and guinea fowl. She is a survivor, like most females, and doing well. Unfortunately, 'George' remained on the northern boundary fence and refused to hunt. He became weak and was returned to the boma where he will remain until it can be determined whether he has any hunting skills. The reasons for George not hunting could be:
- He may have been unable to establish a territory.
- He may not have the necessary hunting skills.
- He may have been part of a coalition and find it difficult to hunt on his own.

Cheetahs are loners, but the males often form bachelor groups. George may be pining for his friend!

Once he has been taught to hunt, a second attempt will be made to set him free.

The cheetah is an endangered species!

Maddy