Is there hope?

It is not a mistery that wildlife, worldwide, is under immense pressure due to many factors such as climate change, loss of habitat, pollution and many others. Every day it is estimated that 5 species are extinct, many of which were not even discovered in the first place. Cheetahs, on the other hand, count among the world’s most famous and recognised animals, but this seems to not help very much. Many biologists agree that in the long run cheetahs are doomed. Their lifestyle, their need for large nature areas, as well as their value as pets mean that they have become extremely rare. Only 3000-4000 are thought to still live in the wild, with about 400 in South Africa, tops! So when one sees the natural population of cheetahs grow the way it has on our reserve, then it gives me hope that all these experts are wrong, and that there is a long-term future for these cheetahs after all. About 5 years go, there were maybe one or two cheetahs on the reserve, and we had no sightings at all, ever. Now we see cheetahs 3 times a week, on average, and then we spotted this yesterday. Yes … there is hope! And lots and lots of smiles … ! 😀

Mother cheetah with 5 cubs!!
Mother cheetah with 5 cubs!!
... trotting off ...
… trotting off …
Now that's a sighting to behold
Now that’s a sighting to behold
Why so serious?
Why so serious?
A last glance back to us ... everyone was melting
A last glance back to us … everyone was melting