2025 Rewilding Campaign: Bringing Cheetahs Back to the Wild

Namibia is home to some of the last remaining wild cheetahs. These majestic cats face a precarious future. Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and dwindling prey populations have pushed them closer to extinction. But amidst this challenge, stories like Hela’s offer a beacon of hope.

Hela’s journey began in 2018 when she arrived at the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) in Otjiwarongo as an orphaned cub, alongside her brothers, Thor and Loki. Too young to survive independently, these cubs became part of CCF’s vital rehabilitation programme. The goal? To return them to the wild where they belong.

Rewilding is a complex process. Not all cheetahs that arrive at CCF are candidates. Only those who maintain their wild instincts and aversion to humans and are generally over six months old have a chance. Hela and her brothers, thankfully, fit the criteria.

The cubs were placed in rehabilitation enclosures, minimising human interaction. They learned essential survival skills, including hunting, under the watchful eyes of CCF’s dedicated team. As they matured, they were separated into groups, with Hela paired with another female cheetah, Adina.

After two years of careful monitoring and assessment, the time came for Hela and Adina’s release. In July 2020, they underwent a thorough health check, received satellite collars for tracking, and were transferred to Erindi Private Game Reserve. After a period of acclimation in a pre-release enclosure, they were finally released into the wild.

Hela thrived. She became a proficient hunter, demonstrating her readiness for life in her natural habitat. Her success story is a testament to the power of CCF’s rewilding programme. But Hela’s story doesn’t end there. In 2022, she returned to CCF, not as a cub, but as a mother. Pregnant with four cubs, she gave birth, further solidifying her role as a symbol of hope. CCF cared for Hela and her cubs, eventually reintroducing them into Erindi.

Now, two years later, CCF is once again tracking Hela’s cubs, ensuring their safety and well-being as they learn the essential skills they need to survive in the wild. This crucial work provides invaluable data for conservation efforts.

Hela’s journey from orphaned cub to wild mother is a powerful reminder that rewilding works. It proves that even after a difficult start, cheetahs can thrive in their natural environment with the right support. But the fight to save Namibia’s cheetahs is far from over.

How Can You Help Us?

The Cheetah Conservation Fund’s work is not just about saving individual cheetahs; it’s about preserving an entire ecosystem. By rewilding cheetahs, CCF is restoring balance, strengthening genetic diversity, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, and preserving Namibia’s natural heritage for future generations. But they can’t do it alone. They need your help.

You can be a part of their journey. The Wildlife Foundation generously matches your donation up to £10,000, which will directly support CCF’s rewilding program. Your donation will fund health checks, satellite collars, pre-release care, and ongoing monitoring, helping more cheetahs like Hela have a second chance at life in the wild. Don’t let these majestic cats disappear. Your support is crucial.

Click here to donate today and help us keep cheetahs wild.