CCF’s Cheetah Rescue and Conservation Centre: A Canadian Foundation Making a Global Impact

The cheetah, the world’s fastest land animal, is also Africa’s most endangered big cat, with fewer than 7,500 left in the wild. The population of adult cheetahs in the Horn of Africa is estimated to be under 500 individuals. The illegal wildlife trade, spurred by the demand for exotic pets in the Arabian Peninsula, poses a significant threat to these incredible animals. Tragically, cheetah cubs are often poached, and due to harsh transport conditions and improper care, about five out of six do not survive the journey.

The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), a leading conservation, research, and education NGO based in Namibia, is dedicated to combatting these challenges. Under the leadership of Dr. Laurie Marker, a renowned cheetah expert, CCF has tirelessly worked for over a decade to halt the illegal trade of cheetahs and to establish a sanctuary for those rescued from traffickers.

With the aim of protecting these magnificent animals, CCF has established the Cheetah Rescue and Conservation Centre (CRCC) in Geed-Deeble, Somaliland. This facility serves as a rehabilitation center and sanctuary for cheetahs confiscated from the illegal pet trade by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC).

We are grateful to the Gordon and Patricia Gray Animal Welfare Foundation for their generous donation of $100,000, helping to ensure a major improvement in the solar energy capabilities at the Centre. The Gray Foundation has consistently supported CCF’s initiatives, directly aiding cheetahs, local farmers, and youth education. Their collaboration with Cheetah Conservation Fund Canada, a registered charity and CCF’s affiliate in Canada, underscores the importance of this funding.

“By harnessing sustainable energy, we are fostering an environment where both wildlife and people can thrive together. We are committed to ensuring a brighter future for cheetahs and their habitats by supporting key programs at CCF.” — Marcy Baldry, Gordon and Patricia Gray Animal Welfare Foundation.

Completed in February 2025, the upgraded solar system allows the CRCC to operate fully off-grid, meeting the increased power demands due to the expansion of the Centre and the upcoming Education Centre Complex, set to be finished by the end of June. This system is essential for refrigerating approximately 90 goats per week to feed the 100 rescued resident cheetahs.

” Thank you from the whole team on the ground in Somaliland. To have reliable consistent power is a game changer for us. Both for work and our off time to keep in contact with our family and friends” Chris Wade, Country Manager, Somaliland

The project includes additional solar panels and LiON batteries in an air-conditioned room, alongside all necessary equipment. The selected solar system consists of well-known equipment, some of which is already utilized in Somaliland, making maintenance feasible.

“The importance of saving the cheetah extends beyond ecological preservation; it contributes to global biodiversity and promotes sustainable development practices that benefit both wildlife and local communities. CCF’s initiatives not only protect endangered species but also empower local populations through ecotourism and livelihood development opportunities.” Says Carolyn Farquhar, Chair &President, Cheetah Conservation Fund Canada.

Together, with the support of dedicated Canadians, we can make a lasting impact on cheetah conservation and the preservation of our planet’s biodiversity.

Cheetah Conservation Fund Canada (Cheetah Canada)

Founded in Namibia in 1990, Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) has been dedicated to saving the cheetah in the wild. Our vision is to see a world in which cheetahs live and flourish in coexistence with people within a sustainable system that is protective of the environment, socially responsible, and economically viable. CCF is based in Namibia with field operations in Somaliland. www.Cheetah.org

Cheetah Canada is an affiliate of CCF global, we do outreach, education and fundraising in Canada to support research, conservation and education programs taking place in Namibia & Somaliland by our colleagues who are working tirelessly to save the cheetah from extinction. www.cheetah.org/Canada

Contact: Carolyn R. Farquhar, Chair and President,  Canada@cheetah.org.

Gordon and Patricia Gray Animal Welfare Foundation

The Gordon and Patricia Gray Animal Welfare Foundation supports charities and organisations that are dedicated to saving and protecting animals, birds and sea life throughout the world.

Contact: Marcy Baldry, Executive Director, marcy@grayanimalfoundation.org.