Behind the Scenes: How We Vaccinate the Resident Cheetahs at CCF

When you think about cheetahs, you probably imagine their incredible speed, their sleek spotted coats, and their powerful presence in the wild. But what about their healthcare? Here at the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) Centre in Namibia, ensuring the health and well-being of our resident cheetahs is a top priority, and a fascinating part of that is our annual vaccination process.

It’s All About Trust and Training

Every May, it’s vaccination time for all the cheetahs under our care. This isn’t just a routine procedure; it’s a testament to the incredible bond and trust built between our dedicated team and these magnificent big cats. The secret to a calm and successful vaccination? Training!

Our expert team spends time training our resident cheetahs to lie calmly by the fence. How do we do it? With delicious pieces of meat, of course! The meat acts as both an incentive to participate and a reward for their cooperation. This positive reinforcement method is crucial, not only for keeping the cats calm throughout the process but, most importantly, because it gives them a choice.

Every Cheetah is Unique

Just like people, every cheetah has its own personality and comfort level with human interaction. This individuality plays a big role in the vaccination process. Some of our resident cats are incredibly relaxed, offering wonderful opportunities for our veterinary interns to gain invaluable hands-on experience in a safe and controlled environment. They’re the “easy patients”!

However, other individuals are a little more challenging, requiring extra patience, skill, and close collaboration between our experienced veterinary staff and cheetah keepers to get the job done. It’s a true team effort, always prioritising the cheetah’s comfort and minimising stress.

Who Are Our Resident Cheetahs?

You might be wondering why CCF has “resident” cheetahs. Our primary goal is always to protect wild cheetahs and return them to their natural habitat whenever possible. We often handle short-term rehabilitation cases involving cheetahs that require only minimal medical attention. In these instances, especially for older cubs or adolescents, we use isolation techniques to minimise human contact and encourage natural, wild behaviours, keeping them only long enough to significantly increase their chances of survival when released.

However, some cases are more complex. Cheetahs orphaned as very young cubs, or those with ongoing medical complications, may ultimately be unable to be returned to the wild. For these individuals, our Centre becomes their permanent, loving home, where they receive lifelong care, including these vital annual vaccinations.

How You Can Help Us Protect Them

The care, training, and medical attention our cheetahs receive are all made possible through the generous support of people like you. If you’re inspired by the dedication to these incredible animals and want to make a tangible difference, you can start by adopting a cheetah!

For just £3 per month, or a one-off yearly payment of £36, you’ll directly help us guarantee all the care your adopted cheetah needs, from nutritious food to those essential annual vaccines. Your support ensures they live healthy, happy lives under our protection. Join our mission to save the cheetahs today!