Cheetah of the Month: Meet Rocket

Cheetah of the Month is back! This time, we’re introducing you to one of our very special resident cheetahs: Rocket. But how did this little cub find his way to the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), and what has his journey looked like since his rescue?

Let’s meet Rocket and find out more about his story.

Rocket’s rescue

Rocket arrived at the Cheetah Conservation Fund’s (CCF) Centre in Namibia in 2019 when he was just 7–8 weeks old. Orphaned as a result of human-wildlife conflict, he was discovered when a farmer’s dog was found chasing him. CCF and Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) collaborated to rescue Rocket, and he was transferred to CCF for specialized care and rehabilitation. 

At CCF, rescued cheetah cubs have access to dedicated spaces where they can grow, explore and develop, all while receiving individualized veterinary care from professionals with experience caring for cheetahs. Our team works around the clock to give rescued animals the best possible chance of a healthy future.

But even the best care cannot replace what a young cheetah would naturally experience in the wild. For a cub like Rocket, being separated from his mother at such a young age means missing out on the essential lessons and experiences that a mother cheetah would provide, including learning how to navigate their environment and develop the skills they need to survive in the wild.

Finding a Coalition

Shortly after arriving at CCF, Rocket was paired with Jaya, a rescued female cub found along the side of the road, after her mother was killed by a vehicle. Jaya arrived at CCF just a few weeks after Rocket, and the two became adoptive siblings and developed a very strong bond. 

A few months after arriving at CCF, Rocket was introduced to another rescued male cub, a six-month-old cheetah named Hans. The two cats were just a few months apart in age – and became adoptive siblings, developing a very strong bond. In fact, staff even noticed whenever the two cats were separated, for instance, during feedings, Hans would immediately begin to cry.  

In the wild, male cheetah siblings typically remain together for life, forming groups called coalitions. These sibling groups provide safety in numbers, and boost hunting success.  At CCF, Rocket and Hans lived as a closely bonded pair for more than four years – and were always observed together. However, Hans passed away unexpectedly in August of 2025, after complications related to an infection in his lungs.

A Special Bond

The loss of Hans had a big impact on Rocket. After spending most of his life with Hans as a close companion, Rocket suddenly found himself alone. Staff at CCF began exploring options for Rocket, and evaluating possible companions – especially other males around the same age. However, Rocket didn’t connect with any other cats the way he had bonded with Hans – until he met Aurora, a 13-year-old female. 

Just a few weeks before Hans passed away, Aurora lost her best friend and longtime companion, Rainbow. Just like Rocket, she had lost an important social bond. But, when Aurora and Rocket were introduced earlier this year, they formed a unique bond. Rocket was the first to show interest, and staff observed him following Aurora around the enclosure. However, she gradually warmed up to Rocket too, and the cats became very close. 

At CCF, caring for rescued cheetahs means addressing both the physical and mental health of these cats. Staff use several different forms of enrichment to foster natural behaviors, promote physical fitness, and provide mental stimulation for resident cheetahs, including forming groups of compatible cats. Placing compatible cats together promotes social bonding and wild behaviors, like grooming and resting together. 

Today, Rocket lives in a large enclosure with Aurora, and two other females, named Nandi and Kweli. The two are almost always found together. While Aurora is nearly 14, she and Rocket are both healthy – and hopefully this new pair will have many happy years together. 

Help us keep saving cheetahs

Rocket’s story is just one example of why cheetah rescue and conservation remains so important. Every rescued cub represents an individual life, but also a reminder of the wider threats facing cheetahs across Africa.

You can help us continue protecting cheetahs and supporting conservation efforts by adopting an animal with Cheetah Conservation Fund UK.

With fewer than 7,100 adult cheetahs estimated to remain in the wild, every effort to protect this iconic species matters. By adopting an animal for as little as £3 per month, you can help fund vital conservation work and support efforts to safeguard the world’s remaining cheetahs for generations to come.

Want to help a cheetah like Rocket? Adopt a resident cheetah today and become part of the fight to save the cheetah.

Sponsor a cheetah in the UK, U.S. or Canada.