Get to Know Aidan’s Story: From Rescue to Hope

Every cheetah we rescue has a story, but one cub carries a name with an extra special meaning. Aidan, one of the ten cheetahs rescued in Somaliland last August, was named after the son of entrepreneur and influencer Simon Squibb. Simon, who is passionate about inspiring people to chase their dreams, joined his son Aidan in supporting Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) — and together, they helped bring global attention to the plight of the cheetah.

The Rescue in Somaliland

In early August, Aidan and nine other cubs were rescued from the illegal wildlife trade and transferred to CCF’s Cheetah Rescue and Conservation Centre (CRCC) in Somaliland. The cubs were in critical condition when they arrived. Some were just a few weeks old, while the oldest — including Aidan — were around seven months.

Many had been tied up and deprived of proper care, leaving them weak and in urgent need of medical attention. CCF’s dedicated team worked around the clock to stabilise them, providing fluids, food, and critical veterinary treatment. Slowly, the cubs regained strength and began their journey of rehabilitation.

Aidan’s Special Connection

Aidan’s name is a tribute to Simon Squibb’s young son, who shares a love for cheetahs. Their encounter with CCF’s Founder, Dr. Laurie Marker, left a lasting impression on both father and son.

In Simon’s own words:

“My son Aidan was with me when I bumped into CCF’s Founder, Dr. Laurie Marker, at the Big Cat Sanctuary, and he already knew a lot of facts about cheetahs, one of his favourite animals! But we both learnt a lot more that day about just how vulnerable cheetahs are and how the illegal wildlife trade is threatening their existence, so sponsoring a cheetah was an easy thing to do and the fact that CCF named our cheetah after Aidan makes it really special. But what’s really impressive is that Sponsorship frees up time and resources that CCF can spend on improving livelihoods and education for local farmers and their communities, building conservancies run by local people which offer alternative economies and a future in which predators like the cheetah, and their prey can live and thrive with humans in a stable ecosystem. Now that really is impressive and an amazing legacy to leave for children like Aidan.”

Why This Rescue Matters

Rescuing and rehabilitating cheetahs is at the heart of CCF’s work in the Horn of Africa. Every cub saved from the illegal trade is not only given a second chance but also contributes to our broader mission: protecting the Northeast African cheetah, a subspecies that in 2023 was uplisted to endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

How You Can Help

Aidan’s story is one of hope — but it is also a reminder of the urgent work that remains. Right now, cubs like Aidan depend on us for food, vaccines, medical care, and rehabilitation. With your support, we can continue to fight the illegal wildlife trade and protect cheetahs in Somaliland and beyond.

 You can make a difference by symbolically adopting Aidan or another cheetah, or by making a small donation today. Click here to get involved. Together, we can give cheetahs like Aidan the future they deserve.