Emergency Appeal: Help CCF Save Cheetahs from Infectious Diseases

In Somaliland, a critical wildlife conservation effort is underway at the Cheetah Rescue and Conservation Centre (CRCC). We’re facing an urgent challenge that threatens not only our resident cheetahs but also the delicate balance of wildlife in the region.

The Invisible Threat to Cheetah Conservation

Our 98 resident cheetahs, along with a leopard and a caracal, are currently at risk from an invisible enemy: infectious diseases carried by stray and domestic animals. These majestic creatures, rescued from the illegal wildlife trade at a young age, now call CRCC their home. While they live in spacious enclosures surrounded by their natural habitat, they face a new danger that requires immediate action.

The primary threats include:

1. Rabies
2. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis Calicivirus Panleukopenia (FVRCP)
3. Distemper
4. Other transmissible diseases

These illnesses, primarily carried by stray cats and dogs, pose a significant risk not only to our resident cheetahs but also to wild cheetah populations and local communities.

The Growing Stray Animal Crisis

Somaliland is grappling with an overwhelming stray animal population. Hundreds, if not thousands, of stray dogs and cats roam the area, creating a serious problem that extends beyond our conservation efforts. This overpopulation impacts:

• Our resident cheetahs
• Other wildlife
• Local communities
• Livestock
• Public health

The uncontrolled breeding of these stray animals has led to an endless cycle, significantly increasing the risk of disease transmission.

A Two-Phase Approach to Wildlife Protection

To combat this threat to cheetah conservation, we’ve developed a comprehensive two-phase plan:

Phase 1: Vaccinate all 98 resident cheetahs, plus our leopard and caracal, against potentially life-threatening diseases.

Phase 2: Extend our efforts beyond CRCC to vaccinate, neuter, and spay stray animals in the surrounding areas of CRCC and Geed Deeble.

This initiative is crucial for the long-term well-being of our resident cheetahs and the overall wildlife conservation efforts in the region.

This programme is vital in safeguarding the long-term wellbeing of our resident cheetahs. Your kind gift will help us in the initial phase of vaccinating all 98 resident cheetahs (and one leopard and one caracal) at CRCC in Somaliland before we move to the second phase of treating the stray animals.

Click Here to Help CCF Eliminate Infectious Diseases Now!