The Conservation Guy

Saving the Cheetah

0 – 60 in just under 4 seconds with a top speed of 100 km/s, 108 degree turns without the loss of much speed, Sleek build, very little wind resistance..

Sounds like an advertisement for a sports car.

Actually, these are some truths about the fastest land animal on earth. One that are currently on the endangered specie list.

The Cheetah.

Please, meet Fiela.

She’s the first cheetah that was hand raised by Riana van Nieuwenhuizen.

Riana is the owner of Cheetah Experience.

Fiela was born on 21 January 2006. She was found all alone in the veld. Her mother had abandoned her. This is how she got the name of Fiela.

Riana bought her at the age of 8 weeks.

As a person who loves nature, realizing the problems cheetahs face and the threat of possible extinction. Riana then began to promote her tame cheetah to increase awareness of the cheetah’s plight and for education.

Here are some of Riana’s own words.

“My passion and love for the cheetah motivated me to follow my dream and to leave my position at the Department of Justice after 22 years of service.  The decision to raise a cheetah was not an impulsive one, as I had been actively involved with “Friends of the Zoo” for the past 10 years.  During that time I frequently volunteered to raise orphaned animals for them.  After buying Fiela, I found temporary employment on a game ranch where I could raise her, but my actual dream entails so much more.  Merely owning a cheetah is not enough – I want to start a cheetah breeding project, especially considering the fact that there are only 1000 cheetahs left in the entire Africa.”

In November 2007 she launched Cheetah Experience on a hectare of land provided by Emoya Estate located in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Since then the family has grown.

Meet some of the other inhabitants of Cheetah Experience.

Mafusa.

Mafusa was born on 15 February 2007. He broke his back leg when he was still very young.  He is now nearly fully grown.

Bibi.

Bibi was born with a very short and disfigured tail on 17 December 2007. Because of this, she was abandoned by her mother when only a day old.  She had to receive hourly feedings until she was strong enough to start sucking by herself.

Xena.

Xena was born from a litter of 4 on 22 February 2008.  Two of the cubs died and she and her sister were taken away to be hand reared by Cheetah Experience. She broke her leg at a very young age and had to undergo major surgery to correct this.

Elsa.

Elsa the lion cub was found in the veld at the age of 10 days.  As the only sibling, she was brought to us to be hand reared.

Some other animals also reared by Riana and her personnel.

Canadian Wolves.

There’s even a Llama and 3 white lion cubs, which they are raising for someone else and a caracal.

Cheetah Experience are offering “touch and learn” experiences for everyone interested to visit them. They have friendly, competent and knowledgeable personnel, that share the love of nature and the love for the animals already at Cheetah Experience. Tours are available and very affordable.

But what price can be put to the glowing face of a child, that has his/her dream fulfilled, to touch an animal, that is wild and dangerous under normal circumstances.

The animals need constant care and medical expenses are enormous. Without outside help, they are fighting a losing battle.

Cheetah Experience are doing a great service to further the cause of conservation concerning the well-being and existence  of cheetahs. Any form of charity, monetary or otherwise will be greatly appreciated and will help them further their cause.

To learn more about Cheetah Experience and to make online donations, please visit their site : Click here.

If you find yourself in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Please do not hesitate to schedule a visit to Cheetah Experience. This is one experience you do not want to miss.

If you find yourself at the Bloemfontein Zoo, make a point to visit Sharu, the tiger. Sharu was raised by Riana and her personnel as well.

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Tags: Add new tag, Africa, Bloemfontein, Cheetah, Cheetah Experience, Conservation, education, Endangered species, Lion, South Africa, Travel and Tourism
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