How Important Are Cheetahs to You? | Celebrating International Cheetah Day

Since 2010, December 4th has been dedicated to celebrating the cheetah as International Cheetah Day. Each year, this special day serves as a reminder of the incredible beauty and uniqueness of this big cat, as well as the urgent need for conservation efforts. With only 7,500 cheetahs remaining in the wild, this is the most endangered big cat species.

This year, we wanted to make the celebration even more meaningful. We invited our volunteers, followers, and supporters to share how important cheetahs are to them. From stunning photos and heartfelt poems to inspiring drawings and stories, the response was overwhelming. It was a powerful reminder of how people worldwide are united in their admiration for this magnificent species and their commitment to spreading awareness about its plight.

Now, we’re thrilled to share the incredible contributions we received with all of you.

The Cheetah Drawings

Art has always been a powerful way to express admiration and love for wildlife, and this year’s submissions were no exception. Artists like Leanne Fieldhouse, Carol Barrett, Tatu and Beulah Käpymäki, Kirsten Johnson, Karen Harrison, Natalie Smith, and Zoe Rolph created beautiful drawings that capture the elegance and spirit of the cheetah.

Tatu Käpymäki shared not just his artwork but also his connection to cheetahs:

“When I was a little boy in the early 1970s, I started to admire big wild cats, especially cheetahs. Today, I work as a trainer and teacher at a vocational education centre for adults in Helsinki, Finland. Biodiversity and its challenges are topics I often discuss with my students. When we talk about top predators like cheetahs, we learn so much about the real environmental struggles we face.”

Poetry and Reflection

Erin, one of our most active supporters at CCF UK chose to put her feelings into words, creating a poem that not only highlighted the characteristics she loves most about cheetahs but also called for action.

Working with Cheetahs

One such contribution came from Justine Woosnam, who shared photos from her time as a zookeeper in New Zealand. Working side by side with these magnificent big cats, she developed a deep appreciation for their grace and the critical role they play in our world. Today, Justine continues her connection to cheetahs through her artwork, creating stunning pieces that celebrate their beauty.

Stunning Photographs

Many talented photographers also joined our celebration, capturing cheetahs in their natural habitat at different moments. Among these remarkable images is one from Ken Campbell, taken in 1972 while visiting Amboseli National Park — a snapshot older than CCF itself. These timeless photographs remind us of the enduring allure and importance of cheetahs in the wild.

These captivating photos you will see below remind us why preserving their habitat is crucial, ensuring that future generations can marvel at these majestic animals thriving in the wild. The photographers who joined us in our celebration were:

Antonia Dolan

Helen Black

Arumita Sengupta

Adam Dolan

Melanie White

Pete Martin

Josephine Casillas

Anne Clifford

Alma Leaper and Elaine Foster

Jack Downey

Elisabeth Richmond and Timothy Maiyo

Why International Cheetah Day Matters?

While it’s a day to celebrate the cheetah, it’s also a moment to reflect on the challenges they face and what we can do to help. From habitat loss to human-wildlife conflict, cheetahs need our support now more than ever. Through collective efforts, we can work to change their trajectory and ensure they continue to thrive.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this year’s celebration. Your creativity, passion, and advocacy inspire us to keep pushing forward in our mission to save the cheetah.

Get Involved

Want to make a difference this International Cheetah Day? Click here to learn how you can contribute through donations, adoptions, or spreading awareness. Together, we can help cheetahs not just survive but thrive.