Our Partners & Collaborators

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve

Howletts Wild Animal Park

The Aspinall Foundation

Mount Camdeboo

Ashia Cheetah Center

 

Historic Birth: First-Ever European Zoo-Raised Cheetahs, Now Thriving in the Wild, Welcome Cubs

In a groundbreaking moment for cheetah conservation, WeWild Africa is thrilled to announce the birth of four cubs to Ava and Nairo at Mount Camdeboo. This event marks a significant milestone: the first successful breeding in the wild of cheetahs rewilded from Europe.

Nairo, the proud father, was brought from the United Kingdom to South Africa as part of a pioneering conservation effort. He, along with his brother Saba, was born at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent and later transferred to Howletts Wild Animal Park.

Released at Mount Camdeboo along with his brother Saba, they became the first cheetahs brought from Europe for rewilding. Ava, the mother, is a rewilded cheetah from Ashia Cheetah Center in South Africa’s Western Cape.

Together, Ava and Nairo represent a significant step in conservation efforts, being part of a project that aims to introduce new genetics into the wild cheetah population and demonstrate the success of rewilding captive-born cheetahs. This achievement is also a testament to the effectiveness of the Phased Release Process in rewilding captive-born cheetahs.

What is a Phased Release Process?

The Phased Release Process is a meticulously planned and executed strategy that gradually introduces captive-born animals to the wild. The process begins with the selection of suitable candidates from captive populations. These animals are then moved to a controlled, semi-wild environment where they can start adapting to the conditions of the wild. This phase often involves training in hunting and survival skills, crucial for their eventual independence.

Once the animals demonstrate the necessary skills and behaviors, they are moved to a more expansive and less controlled environment, closely mimicking their natural habitat. Here, they experience greater freedom and face real challenges typical of wild living, but still under careful monitoring.

The final phase is the full release into the wild, where these animals live independently, yet continue to be monitored to ensure their well-being and adaptation success.  We eagerly anticipate watching these cubs grow and learn under Ava’s skilled guidance.

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