The Cheetah Conservation Center Begins Operations to Protect Cheetahs in Somaliland

Ethiomonitor -Addis Ababa 

October  2, 2025

The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) has announced the commencement of operations at its newly established Cheetah Rescue and Conservation Center (CRCC) in Somaliland, aimed at protecting and rehabilitating cheetahs in the region.
Recently released footage reveals a rescue mission in which ten cheetah cubs were saved and transferred to the center. These cubs, ranging from a few weeks to approximately seven months old, were among those requiring critical care after being recovered from an illegal smuggling attempt.
Staff at the CRCC have been working tirelessly to stabilize and rehabilitate the young cheetahs, which were part of a group that faced life-threatening conditions while being trafficked.
The center underscores that this rescue operation is a crucial component of the CCF’s broader mission to understand and safeguard wild cheetah populations in the Horn of Africa.

In 2023, research conducted by the CCF played a pivotal role in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) decision to classify the Northeast African cheetah—native to this region—as a threatened species. Currently, the CRCC shelters over 100 rescued cheetahs, including several cubs that were seized from the illegal wildlife trade.

The center highlighted that each rescue signifies the beginning of extensive care and protection, which may last for years or even the lifetime of the cheetahs. In light of this, the CCF is appealing for community support to enhance their conservation efforts. Contributions can start as low as £3 per month, a modest amount that can significantly impact the future of these vulnerable animals.
In a related development, Somaliland security forces successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle 11 cheetah cubs from the coastal area between Seyara and Weel Darad in the Saqeel region.
This operation, conducted in collaboration with the Coast Guard and local police, led to the arrest of the suspects and the confiscation of the vehicle involved. The involvement of local citizens in this operation highlights the community’s commitment to wildlife preservation.
Somaliland is dedicated to safeguarding its rich biodiversity, particularly the African cheetahs that are emblematic of the region’s wildlife heritage.