Who founded Cheetah Conservation Fund?

Cheetah Conservation Fund was founded in 1990 by Dr. Laurie Marker, who serves as the organisation's Executive Director. Dr. Marker is one of the pioneers in the field of predator conservation focusing on the cheetah and has led CCF's research, education, and conservation programs for over three decades. Under her leadership, CCF has grown from a single research site in Namibia to an international organisation with field centres in Namibia and Somaliland and affiliate organisations across multiple countries.

Who is Dr. Laurie Marker?

Dr. Laurie Marker is the Founder and Executive Director of Cheetah Conservation Fund and one of the world's foremost experts on cheetah conservation. She serves as the International Cheetah Studbook Keeper and was named Vice-Chair of the IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group in 1996. Dr. Marker oversees all of CCF's field-based initiatives and programs across Namibia and Somaliland. Her personal commitment and scientific expertise have made her the principal voice and ambassador for cheetah conservation worldwide.

How long has CCF been working to save cheetahs?

CCF has been working to save cheetahs since 1990, making it one of the longest-running cheetah conservation organisations in the world. Over more than three decades, CCF has built the research, rescue, and education programs the species depends on for survival. CCF has been active at CITES since 1992 and has expanded its operations from Namibia to the Horn of Africa, where the illegal wildlife trade poses the most urgent threat to cheetah populations.

What has CCF accomplished for cheetah conservation?

CCF has pioneered non-lethal human-wildlife conflict solutions including the livestock guarding dog program and Future Farmers of Africa training. CCF's genetics research led to the 2023 IUCN uplisting of Horn of Africa cheetahs to Endangered status. CCF built and operates the Cheetah Rescue and Conservation Centre in Somaliland, caring for over 100 rescued cheetahs. CCF co-organised the first Global Cheetah Summit in 2024, bringing together delegates from 23 range countries. CCF has published the Namibian Carnivore Red Data Book and maintains the International Cheetah Studbook and the Cheetah Conservation Compendium.

How can I support Dr. Laurie Marker's work to save cheetahs?

You can support Dr. Marker's work by donating to Cheetah Conservation Fund, sponsoring a resident cheetah, joining the Founder's Circle for leadership-level giving, or including CCF in your estate plans through the Chewbaaka Society legacy giving program. CCF also welcomes working guests and interns at its field centres. Every contribution directly supports the research, rescue, education, and policy programs that protect cheetahs across their range. Visit cheetah.org to give today.

Wine & Cheese with Dr. Laurie Marker

Sep 25, 2026

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Location: Portland, Oregon, USA
Venue: Hip Chicks Do Wine
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Before she became the world’s leading expert on the wild cheetah, Dr. Laurie Marker was a pioneer of the Oregon wine industry. She arrived from Napa in 1974 with a viticulture degree and a herd of dairy goats, opened the third bonded winery in the state, and took a side job at a nearby wildlife park to help pay for it. The cheetahs there changed everything.

Fifty years later, the organization she founded runs a working model farm in Namibia with its own creamery and its own small vineyard, where livestock guarding dogs keep farmers and cheetahs at peace and conservation is built on agriculture, not against it.

Join Dr. Marker, Founder and Executive Director of Cheetah Conservation Fund, for a wine and cheese reception at Hip Chicks Do Wine, Portland’s original urban winery. It’s a fitting venue: one of Oregon wine’s original women, back in the state where her story began, pouring alongside the women keeping that spirit alive. She’ll share how CCF’s holistic approach is securing a future for the cheetah in Namibia, Somaliland, and beyond.

Founded in 1990, CCF is the global leader in cheetah research and conservation and the longest-running cheetah conservation organization in the world. Come for the wine and cheese. Stay for the cheetahs. Dr. Marker is happy to talk about all three.

Keep up with the cheetahs