A Future Reclaimed: Supporting Our Rescued Cheetah Cubs | Urgent Appeal

Every time the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) rescues a cheetah cub, it’s a moment filled not with joy, but profound sadness. Why? Because each cub represents a life torn from the wild, and a future that should have been free. These innocent lives are snatched by the brutal illegal wildlife trade, destined for the exotic pet market, never knowing the vast plains they were born to roam.

In the first half of 2025 alone, we’ve witnessed this tragedy unfold six more times. Six young cheetahs have been rescued from the illegal wildlife trade in the Horn of Africa, the newest, most vulnerable victims of a cruel industry. Traumatised, malnourished, and often separated from their mothers far too soon, these cubs now desperately need intensive, round-the-clock care to survive.

Meet the Survivors: Tiny Hearts, Big Needs

We want you to meet some of these brave little souls:

The first four cubs, known as the Abdullahi Group, were rescued in February from the illegal wildlife trade. Local authorities intervened after they were found trafficked across borders – malnourished, dehydrated, and vulnerable. They received immediate veterinary attention, including subcutaneous fluids and high-density nutrition to stabilise them. Marline, a gentle female, now explores confidently, while Tiny Tim – born with a femoral head defect – is thriving with daily joint supplements and modified enrichment to protect his leg. Shave remains understandably shy and Good Boy, calm and affectionate, is adapting well but stays reserved around humans. Both still await their permanent names.

In mid-April, two more cubs arrived under similar traumatic circumstances. T Swift (Taylor Swift) came in highly defensive – she avoids close contact and needs quiet observation to integrate. Her companion, named Khalid, shows confidence but continues to undergo regular health checks with CCF’s veterinary team.

We recently introduced the two groups and they’re now living together happily. These cubs, aged around 2–4 months, are thriving but require intensive care, nutrition, medical support, and enrichment for their first year.

Their Needs

Caring for rescued cheetah cubs is a full-time commitment. It requires a dedicated team, expert veterinary oversight, and a meticulously managed daily routine. Each day begins with essential health checks and behavioural monitoring. They are fed multiple times a day with a specialised diet tailored to their age, including high-quality meats, essential supplements, and, in some cases, specialist milk formulas to support early development and bone function.

Enrichment is vital, helping the cubs develop natural behaviours through play, problem-solving, and social interaction within their group. Cleaning and maintaining their enclosures is essential for health, and any sign of injury or distress is addressed immediately. For cubs like Tiny Tim with joint issues, or T-Swift who remains anxious, their care plans include additional attention like physical therapy, joint supplements, or tailored socialisation strategies. Every single day demands skilled care, patience, and considerable resources. This life-saving work is only possible through the generosity of our donors.

Why They Need Your Help Now

A cub’s first year with us is the most vulnerable period in their lives. Without proper nutrition and dedicated care, they risk chronic health issues and a failure to develop normal behaviours.

The annual cost to care for each cub is £6,600. This covers:

• Specialist milk formulas & fresh meat
• Veterinary check-ups, vaccinations and supplements
• Enrichment toys, naturalistic feeding setups & habitat adaptation
• Dedicate keeper staff time for feeding, socialisation & monitoring

While our colleagues in the United States are generously working to raise funds for the care of the first four rescued cubs, we at CCF UK are urgently seeking your support to cover the costs for the remaining two: T Swift and Khalid. We need to raise a total of £13,200 to ensure they receive the support they need over the next 12 months.

Your gift today will directly impact their survival and help give them the future they were so nearly denied. Please, help T Swift and Khalid if you can.

Click here to help.

How You Can Help

Join us in giving these cubs the chance they deserve. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a tangible difference in their lives. Click here to make your donation now. Your generosity ensures that while their start in life was tragic, their future can be filled with hope, healing, and the best possible care.