From Cheetahs to Scat Dogs: A Kid’s Look Inside CCF

My name is Cora and I’m 11 years old. Recently I visited Namibia and loved staying at the Cheetah conservation fund! I thought it was just going to be touring around and seeing the cheetahs, which would’ve been amazing, but there was so much more! They were so passionate about cheetahs, but that was just a small part of the puzzle they created. They showed us so many aspects of the headquarters, and they were all amazing! If you get the chance, or you’re on the edge, go! The experience is just amazing! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and you’ll never forget it (or want to leave!)! It feels like you’re living in a small village, where everyone helps each other and wants to love and support everyone.

We toured the genetics lab, which inspired me to maybe work in that field when I’m older, then saw the vet, where we heard some funny stories about dogs fighting off Baboons, and the dog won! (with some minor cuts!) We saw the Dancing Goat Creamery, named for the goats’ ability to dance when the dogs protect them and they feel safe! Just when I thought the Cheetahs were the stars of the show, we had a whole tour on dogs! It was so sweet because they made extra time for us to see and pet all of the dogs. I loved learning about how the dogs save the cheetahs, especially since we have the same dogs at home! They were all so sweet, and had bold personalities of their own! One of the few things they had in common: They all wanted to do the work, and whoever got to do it, would run around and tease the others!

We also got to see the scat detection program, which was also led by a dog. She was so energetic, sweet, nice, well behaved, but a little bit feisty! She helps the workers find Cheetah Scat (poop) and they can help determine where the Cheetahs are, how they’re doing and how to help them. She is as big a part of CCF as anyone!

You’ve probably been waiting for the part about cheetahs by now, so here it is. We got to see the elegant, beautiful creatures glide around a path, chasing a fake mouse, making going so fast look so easy! They were so graceful, yet also intimidating. After that, we got to feed the Cheetahs, and learned a little bit about all of their hidden personalities! Dominic, for example, isn’t going back into the wild, because he’s been at CCF for a long while. He’s been bottle fed, and really isn’t that smart (sorry Dominic!). When you feed him, for instance, you can’t just throw him the meat, you have to play the game (where’s Dominic?), and eventually he’ll come out and eat. Oh, and did I mention, his food can’t touch the ground or have dirt on it! But Dominic isn’t the only one who’s spoiled: all of the Cheetahs get 5 hectares of land, and 2 Cheetahs per enclosure! So if you ever wonder, “Should they really be in captivity, they just need to be free!”, don’t worry, they have the best Cheetah life in all of Namibia!

Aside from all of the activities, the general ambiance of Namibia was marvelous! And just being in Africa, and seeing wild Springbok, Kudu, Giraffes, warthogs, and all the others was astonishing! I never knew what I was getting into when I went, because I would never want to leave! From Winnie waiting hours for us to show up, and still treating us with hospitality, to Bella the dog killing 3 snakes, to Dominic and his fun little games, and the incredibleness of Namibia, made the stay the best experience in my lifetime!