20 years of tireless efforts in the field of conservation culminated in the release of two captive cheetahs on Friday 26 March by the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC).

The Big Day

The atmosphere was electric as guests arrived on this typically hot Lowveld day.
Almost sixty guests were to share this momentous occasion, some of whom had travelled from afar to share in the celebration with founder and owner, Lente Roode and her team.

Open vehicles departed to the nearby airfield where the release was scheduled to take place. Here Mrs Roode addressed the group, explaining the reason for choosing two male cheetahs for the release. ‘Their success rate of survival is far better than that of female cheetahs as they tend to form a coalition, immediately strengthening their ability to defend themselves and to hunt. Females are solitary animals and are therefore greater targets for large predators such as lions’ she explained.
‘It was also decided to release one wild cheetah and one tame (hand raised) cheetah in an attempt to “have the best of both worlds” – a cheetah which knows how to fend for itself in the bush, and a cheetah which is familiar enough with man to allow the monitoring team to keep a hands-on, very close eye on its progress’ said Lente.

Lente also explained that as a non-profit organisation The Centre is entirely reliant on donations on the financial support from both corporates and individuals with a heart for conservation.
One such company which stepped up to the challenge is Bechem Lubrication Technology - a German corporation which specializes in lubrication and equipment. Bechem sponsored the two very costly cellular tracking collar devices that were fitted to the two cheetahs, enabling the team (and other stakeholders) to closely follow the animals’ movements through sms, internet and other advanced technologies.

Hennie and Linda van der Westhuizen from Gethlane Lodge in Burgersfort also contributed significantly by mobilising companies in and around Steelpoort to provide financial support. Collectively (and unexpectedly) they raised R43 000 which was handed over by Tecseal. This fantastic contribution will go towards a much needed blood analysis machine – currently at the top of the Centre’s “Most Wanted” list.

Another generous sponsor was Amarula. They created the true African bushveld celebratory atmosphere of not only the day of release, but also of what became a birthday celebration weekend. Amarula also gave each of HESC’s contributing partners a gift pack as a token of appreciation for their involvement.

It was in blazing heat that spectators waited in anticipation for the two feisty cheetahs - so eager to be freed. No time was wasted, and before long it was time to open the cages. Lente Roode and Attie Vorster (Managing Director of Bechem) did the honours of setting the animals free. The first cheetah darted to safety and disappeared  into the dense bush. But Khula, the hand raised cheetah, preferred a leisurely stroll in among the astounded crowd. He was not yet ready to abandon his human company, and caused more than one spectator to stare, breath held, as he slowly made his way up the road. The HESC team quickly took control of the situation and steadily led Khula away from the group.

Guests were then transferred via open safari vehicle to Camp Jabulani where they were treated to refreshments and a feast of delicious snacks under the shade of Acacia trees. Visitors were also treated to a close-contact encounter with Camp Jabulani’s elephant herd which also owes its existence to the HESC. It was an apt setting for guests to meet the face of Amarula’s elephant mascot – Sebakwe. He has graced print avertising and television screens around the world as part of the Amarula brand.

How are the cheetah’s doing?

Both cheetahs have been found since their release, both on their own. They do not appear to be staying together.

Habana has had great success in finding food. He was found with a bulging belly, and the remains of a 3 day old bushbuck. Whether he caught this himself or scavenged it is unknown.

And despite having a "slow" hunting start, Khula caught a small warthog on the 1st April!

We will keep you posted.

The HESC marketing team