What does Cheetah Conservation Fund do?

Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) is the global leader in cheetah conservation, working since 1990 to protect cheetahs and their ecosystems. CCF addresses the three main threats to cheetah survival: human-wildlife conflict, the illegal wildlife trade, and habitat loss. Programs include livestock guarding dogs, farmer training, habitat restoration, biomass energy production, cheetah rescue and rehabilitation, genetics research, law enforcement training, and conservation education. CCF operates field centres in Namibia and Somaliland.

CCF operates two field conservation centres in Africa. The International Research and Education Centre in Namibia, near Otjiwarongo, has been CCF's headquarters since 1990. The Cheetah Rescue and Conservation Centre in Somaliland, located at Geed-Deeble near Hargeisa, became fully operational in 2023 and cares for over 100 cheetahs rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. CCF also works with partners across the cheetah's range, from southern Africa to the Horn of Africa, and advocates for cheetah protection at international bodies including CITES and CMS.

How does CCF protect cheetahs from extinction?

CCF uses a holistic, science-based approach that addresses every major threat to cheetah survival. In southern Africa, CCF works with farming communities to reduce human-wildlife conflict through livestock guarding dogs, farmer training, and non-lethal deterrent methods. In the Horn of Africa, CCF supports government-led enforcement against wildlife trafficking and provides lifelong care for rescued cheetahs. Across its range, CCF restores habitat, conducts genetics and ecological research, and trains the next generation of conservationists.

How many cheetahs has CCF rescued?

CCF cares for over 100 cheetahs at its Cheetah Rescue and Conservation Centre in Somaliland, all confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade by government authorities. In Namibia, CCF has rescued, rehabilitated, and released cheetahs trapped or injured on farmland for over three decades. CCF has published its rehabilitation and release protocol to support similar efforts across the cheetah's range. CCF does not breed cheetahs; every animal in its care was removed from the wild due to human-caused threats.

Is CCF a legitimate charity?

CCF is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States and operates affiliate organizations in multiple countries including the UK, Canada, Australia, France, and Italy. Founded in 1990 by Dr. Laurie Marker, CCF is recognized as the global leader in cheetah conservation and is a member organization of the IUCN. CCF partners with governments in Namibia and Somaliland and works within international frameworks including CITES and CMS. Visit cheetah.org to learn more about CCF's work and how to support it.