Let’s #SaveTheCheetah in the Wild Together!

All you need to know about Dr. Laurie Marker and the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) in 30 minutes.  In this interview, Paul Ward interviews Dr. Laurie Marker, covering her journey starting as a Future Farmer of America to the founder of Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia – the first of its kind with a mission to save the cheetah in the wild.

“We always think there is someone else who will do something. That ‘they’ will take care of it.  I realized early in my work that there is no ‘they’.  And so I decided I would take action to save the cheetah from extinction.”  Dr. Laurie Marker

Laurie’s passion and leadership brought together people from around the world to join the cause, either as volunteers, staff, students or interns, to make a difference for the survival of the cheetah.  CCF’s research and education bench strength has inspired other NGOs to protect the cheetah and for local government to put in place environmental programs that empowers local communities and bring new livelihood opportunities for them.

Financial resources are the limitation to accelerate and expand proven conservation programs to other cheetah range areas, and to build the next generation of conservationists  in Africa.  If you or your company is looking to support a wildlife conservation organization, the video interview below will provide you with good information to decide if you would like to learn more or contact us for more information.

Corporations, employees and citizens of the world can make a difference by sponsoring, donating or investing in CCF.  In Canada, we are a registered charity and we can work with you to develop suited programs that meet your passion for protecting the cheetah, the fastest land animal and most endangered big cats in Africa.  As an apex predator, the protection of the cheetah helps balance biodiversity where it lives.

On the Road with Paul Ward, Paul welcomes Dr. Laurie Marker, founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF). Dr. Marker shares the inspiring story behind the creation of CCF, which began as an effort to prevent local farmers in Namibia, Africa, from killing cheetahs to protect their livestock. She describes how CCF became a model farm, implementing innovative solutions like the Livestock Guarding Dog program, which has successfully reduced livestock loss while protecting cheetahs and teaching sustainable farming practices. Dr. Marker also discusses Africa’s evolving conservation mindset over her 30+ years there, and CCF’s collaborations with the Namibian government to ensure cheetahs remain in the wild. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Marker provides insights into cheetah behavior, the global population status, and the challenges of the illegal pet trade. She shares her journey from the U.S. to Africa and how CCF has grown into a research and educational centre, offering ecotourism and outreach programs that engage locals and visitors alike.