Breeding cheetah in captivity was the initial objective of conservationists like Lente Roode, but breeding cheetah in captivity is no easy task. In fact researchers like prof Bertshinger, prof Meltzer and the conservationist Ann van Dyk reported in a recent scientific paper that captive breeding of Cheetah is difficult; with breeding only commencing in females at an age of about 3 years while litter sizes varied between 2,2 and 3,4 per litter. In some conservation areas like the Serengeti, female cheetahs only raise 1,7 cubs in their lifetime due to predation and other environmental factors.

In captivity, many other factors are problematic like breeding, feeding, diseases and caring of these unique cats, which resulted in a shift in focus towards scientific analysis of these factors. Although there is significant focus on a variety of diseases like glomerulosclerosis, lymphoplasmacytic gastritis and veno-occlusive disease, hind limb paralysis and ataxia, there is increasing focus on the nutritional requirements of cheetah in captivity as well as specific nutrient requirements and deficiencies that may also provide answers to feeding and caring for companion animals like dogs.

A desperate situation was certainly turned around which almost unknowingly resulted in a number of opportunities that will eventually benefit the animal kingdom. The task is not complete and there is still a great need for financial assistance in terms of maintaining these conservation centers as well as the research that is so desperately required to manage these amazing creatures better. Next time you visit the Kruger, do make an effort to visit one of these centers!

More information can be obtained at email: info@cheetahcentre.co.za or 012-460 5605. The
Endangered Wildlife Trust can be contacted at 011-486-1102 or email: wcpg@ewt.org.za