Cheetah Experience

Cheetah Experience Become a volunteer and support us or come on an educational tour and learn about our animals!
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Cheetahs are one of the oldest big cat species on Earth. 🐾🌿Their ancestors evolved millions of years ago and over time t...
18/06/2026

Cheetahs are one of the oldest big cat species on Earth. 🐾🌿

Their ancestors evolved millions of years ago and over time they became highly specialised for speed. In fact, the modern cheetah is so unique that it belongs to its own genus, Acinonyx, meaning “non-moving claw” - a reference to its distinctive semi-retractable claws. 🐆

A living piece of evolutionary history, still racing across the landscape today. ✨🤍

17/06/2026

Another successful TRACK rehabilitation release. 🐾🌿

Recently, a farmer contacted us after catching a caracal on his property. The animal was brought to Cheetah Experience through our TRACK rehabilitation program, where it could be assessed by our team. 🧡🐱

After a thorough evaluation, it was clear that the caracal was healthy, strong and ready to return to the wild. The decision was therefore made to release it on the Cheetah Experience property, where it could continue living naturally and independently. 🌿✨

The best part? Even today, we continue to find tracks and signs of the caracal, showing that it remains in the area and is doing well. 🐾

This is what rehabilitation is all about - helping wildlife return to where it belongs while keeping it wild. 🤍

Four tiny cubs. Four powerful legacies. 🐆🐆🐆🐆✨Please help us welcome Jane, Hunter, Durrell and Louis to the world. 🤍🐾Each...
16/06/2026

Four tiny cubs. Four powerful legacies. 🐆🐆🐆🐆✨

Please help us welcome Jane, Hunter, Durrell and Louis to the world. 🤍🐾

Each of these cubs carries the name of a person who helped change how the world protects wildlife and each represents a different part of conservation. Together, they symbolise the Four Pillars of Conservation - empathy, science, stewardship and mentorship. 🌿

🐆 Jane – The Ambassador.
A reminder that empathy and connection inspire people to care about wildlife.

🐆 Hunter – The Architect.
Representing the science, planning and structure needed to protect species.

🐆 Durrell – The Ark Builder.
Honouring the importance of safeguarding wildlife for future generations.

🐆 Louis – The Catalyst.
A symbol of action, leadership and inspiring change.

At Cheetah Experience, conservation begins with education. Through awareness, connection and understanding, we hope to inspire a future where cheetahs continue to thrive. ✨🤍

Welcome to the world, little ones. Your story is only just beginning. 🐾

See the full announcement here: https://www.zaconservation.org/cheetah-cubs-announcement

JJ – Our Little Survivor 🐾❤️Meet JJ, our precious cheetah cub and one very determined little fighter.JJ’s journey into t...
16/06/2026

JJ – Our Little Survivor 🐾❤️

Meet JJ, our precious cheetah cub and one very determined little fighter.

JJ’s journey into the world was anything but easy. During birth, he became stuck, and with assistance, we were able to safely bring him into the world. Sadly, his mother later had to undergo a C-section, and his siblings did not survive.

For a short time, JJ was able to spend time with his mom, but after losing the rest of her litter, she no longer had milk for him. From that moment on, JJ’s survival depended entirely on us.

As a single cheetah cub, he requires constant care and attention. We have become his surrogate family—feeding him, protecting him, and watching over him every step of the way. Because he is still so small, we also have to keep him safe from dangers such as birds of prey and other risks that a vulnerable cub may face.

Raising a single cheetah cub is a full-time commitment. When there is no mother to care for him, you become the mother, the protector, and the provider. It means long days, sleepless nights, and endless dedication—but one look into those beautiful eyes reminds us exactly why it is all worth it.

Despite the challenges he has faced from the very beginning, JJ continues to grow stronger every day. He is curious, brave, and full of spirit, and he has already stolen the hearts of everyone who meets him.

Please keep little JJ in your thoughts as he continues his journey. We are incredibly grateful to be part of his story and look forward to watching him grow into the magnificent cheetah he is meant to be.

Every day is a gift, and every milestone is a victory. Keep shining, little JJ. 🐆✨

High above the ground is often exactly where a leopard wants to be. 🖤🐆🌿Leopards are exceptional climbers and often seek ...
15/06/2026

High above the ground is often exactly where a leopard wants to be. 🖤🐆🌿

Leopards are exceptional climbers and often seek out trees for rest, safety and a better view of their surroundings. Their powerful shoulders, flexible spine and strong claws allow them to move through branches with remarkable ease. 🐾

For a leopard, the treetops are more than just a resting place - they are the perfect lookout point. ✨🤍

13/06/2026

Rafiki enjoying one of life’s simple pleasures. 🌿🐆

Rolling in the grass may look adorable, but it can also serve a purpose. Cheetahs sometimes roll to scratch an itch, relax or even pick up new scents from their surroundings. 🐾

Sometimes, happiness really is as simple as soft grass and a carefree moment. ✨🤍

🦁 An Update on NapoleonMany of you know and love our senior lion Napoleon and we feel it is important to keep our suppor...
12/06/2026

🦁 An Update on Napoleon

Many of you know and love our senior lion Napoleon and we feel it is important to keep our supporters informed about his journey.

On 14 April, veterinary specialists from Onderstepoort visited our facility and performed a thorough examination, including blood tests, ultrasound scans and X-rays. The results showed that Napoleon is suffering from advanced heart failure. The examinations also revealed fluid accumulation in his lungs, some of which was drained for his comfort. Unfortunately, blood was present in the fluid, indicating the severity of his condition.

Following the diagnosis, Napoleon was placed on appropriate medication to help manage his heart condition, along with daily supportive care, close monitoring and a carefully managed daily feeding program. While the medication has helped improve his comfort and quality of life, it is not a cure.

Over the past few days, we have seen signs that his condition is gradually worsening. As difficult as this is to accept, we know that Napoleon is in the final chapter of a long and remarkable life.

Our responsibility has always been and will always remain, the welfare of the animals in our care. The treatment Napoleon is receiving is not intended to prolong suffering, but rather to ensure that he remains comfortable and enjoys the best possible quality of life for as long as he can. We monitor him closely every day and when the time comes that his quality of life declines significantly or he no longer eats or finds comfort in his brother Acinonyx, we will make the compassionate decision to let him go peacefully and with dignity.

This is never an easy decision, but it is one made out of love, respect and a commitment to preventing unnecessary suffering.

For now, we are cherishing every day we still have with Napoleon and making sure he is surrounded by the care he deserves.

Thank you to everyone who continues to keep him in your thoughts.

❤️🦁

🐾 Acinonyx‘s Recovery Update 🐾Following surgery to treat an abscess on his tail, Acinonyx faced a few challenges during ...
11/06/2026

🐾 Acinonyx‘s Recovery Update 🐾

Following surgery to treat an abscess on his tail, Acinonyx faced a few challenges during his recovery. Because the tail is both heavy and constantly in motion, keeping the stitches in place proved difficult and healing was slower than we had hoped. We also had to manage the effects of the warm weather and some issues with flies, which added to the recovery process.

The good news is that over the last few weeks, Acinonyx has made excellent progress. Our veterinarian has visited four times in the past two weeks to monitor his recovery closely and with the help of the prescribed medication and ongoing care, the wound is now healing very well.

At his latest check-up yesterday, we received encouraging news: the wound is already about 80% healed. We are extremely happy with his progress and relieved to see him recovering so well after a difficult start.

Thank you to everyone who has shown concern and support for Acinonyx. We truly appreciate it and look forward to sharing more positive updates as his recovery continues. ❤️🐾

Those famous ear tufts are more than just beautiful. 🧡🐾Caracals have long black tufts on the tips of their ears and whil...
10/06/2026

Those famous ear tufts are more than just beautiful. 🧡🐾

Caracals have long black tufts on the tips of their ears and while scientists are still studying their exact purpose, they are believed to help with communication and visual signalling between individuals. Their ears can also rotate independently to detect even the faintest sounds around them. 👂🌿

Elegant, alert and always listening. ✨🐱

A cheetah’s eyes are made for focus. 👀🐆Their eye colour can range from amber to golden-brown, helping reduce glare in br...
08/06/2026

A cheetah’s eyes are made for focus. 👀🐆

Their eye colour can range from amber to golden-brown, helping reduce glare in bright daylight while staying sharply focused on movement in the distance. Combined with excellent daytime vision, this allows cheetahs to spot prey from far away across open landscapes. 🐾

And those small, rounded ears? They can rotate to pick up subtle sounds, helping cheetahs stay alert to both opportunity and danger. 🌿✨

Every detail is designed for awareness. 🤍



Address

Za Cheetah Conservation, Farm 20, R101
Bela-Bela
9301

Opening Hours

Tuesday 08:00 - 09:30
14:00 - 15:05
Wednesday 08:00 - 09:30
14:00 - 15:05
Thursday 08:00 - 09:30
14:00 - 15:05
Friday 08:00 - 09:30
14:00 - 15:05
Saturday 08:00 - 09:30
14:00 - 15:05
Sunday 08:00 - 09:30
14:00 - 15:05

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