Olympic Gold Medalist Anna Fenninger Donates Cheetah Print Helmet to Help Cheetah Conservation Fund Rebuild

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Contact:
Susan Yannetti, Cheetah Conservation Fund External Communications Manager, 202.716.7756 or susan@cheetah.org

Olympic Gold Medalist Anna Fenninger Donates Cheetah Print Helmet to Help Cheetah Conservation Fund Rebuild

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 31, 2014) – Olympic ski racing champion Anna Fenninger of Austria donated her famous cheetah print helmet together with a cash gift to Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia to help rebuild its Visitor Center, which was destroyed last year by fire. Fenninger wore this custom-made race helmet during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, where she won a gold medal in the super-G and a silver medal in the giant slalom.

“We are thrilled to receive Anna’s helmet as it embodies her Olympic triumph in speed and grace, which was witnessed by millions all over the world,” said Dr. Laurie Marker, Founder and Executive Director of CCF. Fenninger recently made the gift to generate awareness for CCF ‘s rebuilding project and encourage others to contribute.

As CCF’s European Goodwill Ambassador, Fenninger has been committed to the fight to save cheetahs for several years and is a vocal advocate for the cause. She designed the special race helmet after a 2013 visit to CCF during which she encountered wild cheetahs and was moved by their plight.

“By incorporating cheetah spots into her race gear, Anna was also able to bring international attention to Africa’s most endangered big cat and inspire people everywhere in the to fight to save them.” Dr. Marker says she plans to create a permanent exhibit in CCF’s new Visitor Center to display Fenninger’s cheetah helmet and share her story with visitors.

In Austria, Fenninger is partnered with Build an Ark, a wildlife conservation project with several unique missions: among them is helping ensure the long-term survival of cheetahs. Thomas Herzog, chairman of Build an Ark, personally delivered Fenninger’s helmet to Dr. Bruce Brewer, General Manager of CCF, on Sept. 28, 2014. Deputy Mayor of Otjiwarongo, Councilor Archillaus Namaseb, witnessed the presentation.
For more information about Dr. Marker or Cheetah Conservation Fund, please visit www.cheetah.org.