Celebrating International Women’s Day at CCF: Meet Georgina Bailey, Head Keeper in Somaliland

Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the resilience and dedication of women around the world. At the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), women play a vital role in every aspect of our mission—from research and education to the frontline care of cheetahs in need. This year, we spotlight Georgina Bailey, a conservationist dedicated to protecting the world’s fastest land animal.

Originally from the UK, Georgina is now the Head Keeper at CCF Somaliland, where she works to care for cheetahs rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. Her journey from zookeeper to conservation leader is a story of a deep commitment to wildlife.

Joining CCF: How Georgina Got Involved with Cheetahs

Georgina’s love for wildlife started at a young age, fueled by her fascination with nature documentaries, especially those narrated by David Attenborough. As she grew older, her interest narrowed toward carnivores, and working with cheetahs in UK zoos deepened her admiration for these unique animals.

“My previous experience working with cheetahs highlighted many of their amazing adaptations, from their vocalisations to their incredible speed. It also taught me how each cheetah has a distinct personality, which is crucial when caring for them,” she shares.

Her journey to CCF was inspired by colleagues volunteering at CCF Namibia. Seeing the impactful work being done, Georgina felt compelled to contribute. With the support of Hamerton Zoo, where she previously worked, she leaped to Somaliland, joining CCF in June 2024. Just a few months later, her dedication and leadership earned her the role of our Head Keeper.

Taking on the role of Head Keeper was a significant milestone in Georgina’s career. Managing local and international keepers, ensuring the well-being of 93 cheetahs, and overseeing daily operations is no small feat. Yet, Georgina credits her hardworking team at CCF for making the transition smoother.

“The transition was a huge step, filled with challenges and responsibilities. But I’m incredibly proud to have taken this path,” she says.

A Day in the Life: Georgina Routine as Cheetah Head Keeper at CCF

Caring for nearly 100 cheetahs requires meticulous planning and teamwork. Georgina describes their daily routine as a mix of feeding, medical care, and training, with unexpected challenges often arising.

Morning: The team begins at 6 AM, preparing medications and checking on all the cheetahs. Depending on the day, they either clean and refresh water stations or distribute food to the cheetahs. Veterinary check-ups, training exercises, and monitoring for health issues (such as injuries or encounters with wildlife like spitting cobras) are also part of the morning tasks.

Break: Because of the heat and dry weather in Somaliland, the team takes a lunchtime break to rest and prepare for the next shift in the afternoon. 

Afternoon: The team resumes at 2:30 PM, completing unfinished tasks from the morning, clearing out enclosures, and planning training sessions. The day ends with feeding the guard dogs and ensuring all cheetahs are healthy and accounted for.

Not every day is the same; activities may change, rescued cheetahs can arrive, and some animals may require special care. Adaptability is essential in this demanding role.

The Most Rewarding Part of Working with Cheetahs

Despite the challenges, Georgina finds immense fulfillment in her work. Observing the cheetahs’ group dynamics and witnessing their unique behaviours is something she treasures. Two moments, in particular, stand out for her:

1. Carcass Feeding: “The first time I participated in a carcass feeding was unforgettable. Watching the cheetahs sprint toward the feed truck, then seeing them interact as they found their places around the carcass, was a breathtaking sight.”
2. Building Trust with a Fearful Cheetah: One of her proudest achievements was training Betty White, a particularly timid cheetah, to feel comfortable enough to sit on a scale for her bi-annual weigh-in. “It took so much patience and effort, but reaching that level of trust with her was incredible,” she recalls.

Women Inspiring Future Conservationists

When asked what advice she would give aspiring conservationists, Georgina emphasises the importance of hard work and commitment.

“CCF in Somaliland offers a truly unique experience. The chance to be around so many cheetahs, contribute to their care, and work alongside dedicated teams is something you won’t find anywhere else. It’s rewarding, but it’s also intense. You have to be ready to work hard and embrace every challenge.”

As she continues her journey at CCF until the end of 2025, Georgina remains committed to making a lasting impact. Her story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance, showing that women have always been at the forefront of wildlife conservation.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate Georgina and the many other women dedicating their lives to protecting wildlife. Their work reminds that conservation knows no boundaries and that every effort counts to save endangered species.

Want to support our work? Click here to learn more about how to get involved with CCF and make a difference for cheetahs today!