This Earth Day, Renowned Cheetah Conservationist Calls For Collective Action to Protect Our Planet (And Save The Cheetah)

Dr. Laurie Marker Shares of Message of Urgency And Hope (video attached)

For Immediate Release

Windhoek, Namibia (April 22nd, 2025) With the annual Earth Day Celebration approaching Tuesday, this year’s global theme, “Our Power, Our Earth” underscores the vital role individuals, communities, and organizations play in building a more sustainable planet. As climate change accelerates biodiversity loss, the message is clear: the power to protect our planet—and all its incredible species —rests in our hands,” according to world-renowned conservationist, Dr. Laurie Marker.

In recognition of Earth Day 2025, the Cheetah Conservation Fund Founder and Executive Director is calling on citizens everywhere to embrace sustainable living and support conservation efforts to protect one of the world’s most iconic and endangered big cats—the cheetah. With fewer than 7,000 remaining in the wild, their survival is directly tied to the health of our ecosystems and our ability to adopt sustainable land and energy practices.

“Earth Day reminds us that protecting the environment is not a choice—it’s a responsibility,” adds Dr. Marker. “The cheetah is a symbol of balance in nature. By conserving cheetahs and the ecosystems they depend on, we’re investing in a healthier planet for future generations. Our power is in our ability to act—and the time to act is now.”

The Cheetah Conservation Fund’s efforts in Africa span habitat restoration, community-based conservation, education, and innovative farming techniques that support both people and wildlife. By promoting sustainable agriculture and land management in cheetah range countries, the organization helps reduce human-wildlife conflict and ensures the cheetah’s long-term survival.

With headquarters in Namibia, CCF is currently expanding its efforts in the Horn of Africa, bringing their signature community conservancy programs and conducting first-of-its-kind biodiversity research. CCF has helped rural communities have a chance at a better life by empowering them to conserve their natural resources and reap the benefits of ecotourism.

Dr. Marker has spent all of ‘Earth Month’ traveling the US raising awareness for the cheetah’s plight, and will celebrate Earth Day at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo and the University of Nebraska, in Lincoln, Nebraska. This Earth Day, CCF invites all of Earth’s citizens to take part in the global campaign by reducing their ecological footprint, supporting wildlife-friendly practices, and spreading awareness about wildlife conservation. To learn more about how you can get involved and support sustainable conservation efforts, visit www.cheetah.org.

About the Cheetah Conservation Fund:
Founded in 1990, the Cheetah Conservation Fund is the global leader in research and conservation of cheetahs and their ecosystems. Based in Namibia, CCF works with local communities and international partners to secure a future for the species in the wild. In 2022, CCF set up a second Center in Somaliland to care for over 100 cheetahs rescued from the illegal wildlife pet trade.