Return of the Cheetah Part 2 Premieres Globally December 20 on Discovery Channel

New Documentary Spotlights High-Stakes Wildlife Rescue in the Horn of Africa

(19 December Hargeisa, Somaliland, Otjiwarongo, Namibia, Alexandria, VA) – In 2025, a high-stakes “Wilderness Mission” unfolded across the unforgiving landscapes of the Horn of Africa. JETOUR AUTO’s flagship SUV, the G700—built on a spirit of courage, exploration, and resilience—partnered with the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) to carry out a demanding rescue operation for endangered cheetah cubs. The mission, filmed by Discovery Channel for a global television program called *Return of the Cheetah 2*, airing on 20 December, highlights JETOUR’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and advances its vision of “Human–Vehicle–Nature Coexistence,” reinforcing the brand’s long-term dedication to conservation.

The operation targeted one of the most concealed links in illegal wildlife pet trafficking: the poaching, transport, and attempted smuggling of cheetah cubs for the exotic pet trade. CCF research shows that hundreds of cubs are trafficked from the region annually, with fewer than one in five surviving. Each rescued cub represents a hard-earned victory for a species on the brink and underscores the urgency of conservation.

CCF’s Cheetah Rescue and Conservation Centre (CRCC) in the Horn of Africa served as a critical hub for this mission. The facility provides emergency care, rehabilitation, and long-term sanctuary for cheetahs confiscated from traffickers. Currently, CCF is caring for over 125 confiscated cheetahs, making it the largest facility of its kind in the world. Since its establishment, CCF has worked tirelessly with local authorities to intercept smuggling networks, rescue cubs from dire conditions, and combat the growing demand for cheetahs as pets—a practice that devastates wild populations and fuels organized crime.

Caption: Laurie Marker, Founder and Executive Director of CCF, “Every cheetah rescued is a life saved and a step toward ending the illegal wildlife trade. Our work in this region is critical, and partnerships like Jetour help us spread the word about how to protect one of the world’s most iconic species.”

The local terrain is complex and the climate extreme, with minimal road infrastructure. Poaching groups operate in remote, inaccessible areas. Throughout the expedition, the Jetour G700 proved indispensable. Its All-Terrain Intelligent XWD System and efficient hybrid powertrain supported tasks ranging from transporting supplies to securing field bases.

To amplify global awareness of endangered species protection, JETOUR launched the Wilderness Documentary initiative. Discovery Channel’s crew and leading media outlets captured the team’s determination, the fragility and resilience of the cheetah cubs, and the G700’s performance in unforgiving landscapes.

Caption: The G700 was designed for exploration and resilience, and this mission allowed us to demonstrate how technology and responsibility can work together to protect wildlife life and ecosystems. Its durability, stability, and adaptability under harsh conditions ensured mission success.

The documentary highlights the work of Dr. Marker and CCF which share integratedconservation strategies that are crucial the for cheetahs’ survival. The film is presented by internationally renowned naturalist Mr. Hazen Audel.

As the icon of the arid landscapes, cheetahs are amongst the most important apex predators in Africa. Apex predators are key to the resilience of ecosystems; their conservation creates a cascading effect. In an age where climate change is destabilizing landscapes more than ever – we can’t afford to lose the cheetah. Apex predators are also key to the economic future of developing countries like Namibia. In a landscape increasingly interested in Nature Markets, Dr. Marker shares “in the past century, the cheetah has been reduced to only 9% of their original range.”

Cheetahs face numerous threats, including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and the illegal pet trade. As apex predators, cheetahs play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance. Conserving them requires collaboration between governments, organizations, and individuals. This documentary is more than a rescue, it shows delivers an educational call to re-examine humanity’s relationship with nature and the shared responsibility of global communities.

In 2016, CCF expanded its operations to Somaliland to care for cheetahs rescued from the illegal wildlife pet trade. The new Education and Training Centre expands CCF’s work from crisis response to proactive community engagement and long-term sustainability.

Cheetahs are Africa’s most endangered big cat due to the lack of understanding of how they live and how we can learn to live with them. Both of CCF’s International Centre’s Namibia and Somaliland, play very important roles in the helping save the cheetah for future generations.

International Broadcast Schedule
(All times local to region)

Discovery SEA | 20 Dec | 19:35
Animal Planet SEA | 20 Dec | 20:30
Discovery Middle East | 20 Dec | 21:00
Discovery Africa | 20 Dec | 20:30
Animal Planet LATAM | 21 Dec | 20:00
Discovery LATAM | 22 Dec | 19:30

Streaming access is expected via Discovery+ and Max in 2026, depending on region.

Interview Access Available
Media outlets interested in speaking with CCF field experts featured in the documentary, including Dr. Laurie Marker, CCF’s Executive Director, and Chris Wade, Country Manager in Somaliland, should contact CCF’s U.S. office to schedule interviews.

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Media Contact: Elissa Buchter, [email protected], Phone & WhatsApp +13109634808, or

Dr. Laurie Marker, [email protected], Phone & WhatsApp +264811247887

Notes to the Editor

About the Cheetah Conservation Fund – The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) is the global leader in research and conservation of cheetahs and is dedicated to saving cheetahs in the wild. CCF has created a set of integrated conservation programs to address threats to the cheetah and its ecosystem. Founded in 1990, CCF is an international non-profit organization headquartered in Namibia with a field base in Somaliland. CCF is the longest running cheetah conservation organization and　has restored thousands of acres of　Namibian farmland, established a training program to enhance the livelihoods of thousands of rural residents. One of their signature programs is the livestock guarding dog program, where nearly 800 Anatolian and Kangal guarding dogs have been bred and placed with farmers since 1994 to protect their livestock from predators. The CCFs Research and Education Centre is based on near Otjiwarongo within the Waterberg Conservancy, on a private wildlife reserve and model farm. In 2017, CCF set up a field base in Somaliland to care for confiscated cheetah cubs from the illegal wildlife pet trade and have developed programs in the Horn of Africa to help stop the illegal wildlife trade.

For more information about CCF’s work and how you can help protect cheetahs in the wild please visit www.cheetah.org

About Jetour – In China, JETOUR launched the long-term charitable program of “Journey of Hope”, focusing on the education and healthcare of left-behind children. Since 2020, JETOUR and its users have organized over 300 charitable activities. The company also established a public welfare section on its app, encouraging users to participate in various charitable activities. Given the global emphasis on sustainable development, JETOUR’s partnership with CCF marks its first venture into wildlife conservation. The collaboration enriches its “Travel+” strategy and opens a new avenue in global public welfare efforts.

About Discovery Channel – Discovery Channel is a renowned American pay television network, celebrated for its commitment to delivering high-quality factual programming. Launched in 1985, the channel has become synonymous with captivating documentaries and series covering science, technology, history, nature, and adventure. Discovery Channel reaches millions of viewers worldwide, inspiring curiosity and exploration through its engaging content. With a focus on real-world phenomena and immersive storytelling, Discovery Channel continues to be a trusted source of educational entertainment for audiences of all ages.