AfriCat Carnivore Care Centre
The AfriCat Foundation began its journey in 1993 primarily as a welfare organisation. Initially centered around a carnivore rescue and release programme, targeting cheetah and leopard, it has since evolved to prioritize extensive research efforts., collaborating with scientists and conservation authorities to conduct practical research on species-specific ecology and behaviour while developing effective conservation and management strategies.
AfriCat’s ‘Carnivore Care Centre’ emerged as a result of the ‘Rescue and Release’ Programme. Over a span of 20 years, from 2000 to 2020, our focus shifted towards rehabilitating wild-born cheetahs raised in captivity within the 200km² Okonjima Nature Reserve. This endeavor demonstrated the effectiveness of rehabilitation in cheetah conservation. Our ongoing observations since the initial release of these cheetahs, revealed their remarkable ability to adapt to diverse environments. Through ‘trial and error’, they acquired the necessary skills to thrive in the wild, becoming self-sufficient hunters.
Unfortunately, as a result of increasing pressures from dominant, higher-tier carnivores like leopard (Panthera pardus) and brown hyaena (Hyaena brunnea) within the restricted confines of thick, acacia vegetation and rocky, rugged terrain, the Okonjima Nature Reserve evolved into an environment less conducive (favourable) for cheetah to thrive and endure a lifespan surpassing 18 -24 months, following their release.
The Okonjima Nature Reserve no longer hosts free-roaming cheetahs, and we do not offer cheetah-tracking on foot since 2020.
Providing a ‘healthy living environment’ for large carnivores in temporary or permanent captivity is crucial to minimize illness and injuries. At AfriCat the rescued carnivores are housed in spacious enclosures ranging from 5 to 25 hectares in a natural and stress-free environment. They receive a well-balanced diet with vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent deficiencies. Daily observations monitor the animals’ well-being and condition, allowing for a prompt response and treatment if any illnesses or injuries occur.
The last remaining captive cheetah and lion in our care today are too old or habituated to be reintroduced into the wild and will, therefore, remain under the expert care of the AfriCat Team. These animals have assumed the role of being Species Ambassadors for their wild counterparts.
(T48/93 The Foundation registration number with the Ministry of Environment Forestry and Tourism. MEFT).
more about AfriCat’s Carnivore Care Centre
‘Welfare’ in the context of animal-welfare, refers to the well-being and quality of life of animals. It encompasses the state of an animal’s physical health as well as its mental and emotional state. The widely accepted definition of ‘animal welfare’ is that it involves the “state of the animal’s body and mind, and the extent to which its nature is satisfied.”
This definition implies that ‘animal welfare’ includes not only the physical condition of an animal, but also its emotional state. Most people acknowledge that animals experience emotions such as fear, frustration, boredom, and aggression. ‘Welfare research’ typically measures behavioural outcomes and signs of emotions like fear or frustration in animals. This research has led to the understanding that animals have fundamental behavioural needs that must be met to ensure their well-being.
Therefore providing a ‘healthy living environment’ for large carnivores in temporary or permanent captivity is crucial to minimize illness and injuries. At AfriCat, the animals are housed in spacious enclosures ranging from 5 to 25 hectares in a natural and stress-free environment. They receive a well-balanced diet with vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent deficiencies. Daily observations monitor the animals’ well-being and condition, allowing for a prompt response and treatment if any illnesses or injuries occur. AfriCat conducts annual health checks on its carnivores, led by veterinarians. These health examinations include thorough evaluations of the last remaining captive carnivores.
The cats are tranquilized and taken to a well-equipped clinic at AfriCat’s Care Centre for assessments and a comprehensive examination. They also receive annual vaccinations for external and internal parasites.
