The cheetah teaches us that focus and determination can lead to incredible achievements
Cheetahs are extraordinary creatures – as the fastest land mammal they are defined by their speed, grace and adaptability. Sadly, there are only around 7 000 cheetahs left in the wild. They are Africa’s most endangered big cats and have become symbols of conservation, reminding us of the urgent need to protect endangered species and their habitats.
The main threats to the cheetah’s survival are habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, climate change, low genetic diversity and the illegal wildlife trade. Today, cheetahs are sadly found in only 10% of their historical range in Africa. Many exist in small populations, isolated due to fencing and other human influences.
However, they remain a critical part of the ecosystem. Without cheetahs, there could be an overpopulation of  herbivores like gazelles and antelopes, leading to overgrazed lands and a disrupted ecological balance. Every fast chase, hunt and kill is part of a delicate balance in nature.
The dwindling cheetah population is a crisis and the reason Mantis formed an alliance with Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa (GH-CFA) to help protect them and support rewilding efforts in South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. The project goes beyond rewilding by promoting biodiversity, training local conservationists and educating communities on the importance of protecting iconic species.
The elegance of the cheetah lies in its ability to adapt swiftly to changing circumstances
Nyosi Wildlife Reserve in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, is a contributor to the Cheetah Metapopulation Initiative. Aimed at improving the gene pool, Mantis and GH-CFA are helping rewild captive cheetahs, preparing them ahead of relocation to larger protected wildlife reserves.
The story of the resident cheetah Nkanyiso (which means ‘bringer of light’ in Xhosa, the local lingo) brings hope of future success. Born in captivity, she joined the programme in April 2023 and underwent a carefully monitored rewilding process, learning to hunt, roam freely and thrive without human assistance. She became self-sufficient, independent, sharing the
6 200-acre reserve with two male cheetahs, who were later rehomed at Thula Thula in KwaZulu-Natal.
Last year, Nkanyiso broke her leg which led to prompt intervention to rehabilitate her. During this time the team made an exciting discovery: Nkanyiso had given birth. The four healthy cubs were located and brought into her enclosure for care, nutrition and veterinary support.
After successful surgery and months of care, Nkanyiso has made a full recovery and was cleared for release by veterinary experts. Earlier this month she returned to the reserve with her four cubs, marking a significant milestone in the rewilding journey. The cubs were recently named: the two males are Zuko (meaning success) and Khukhula (storm), the females are Zola (calm) and Amira (princess). They will soon be relocated to different reserves, while mom will remain at Nyosi for a little longer.
A unique part of the success of the project involves selecting a Cheetah Champion. Each year, a young person from the local community who is appointed as a Cheetah Champion, embarking on a ‘hand-in-paw’ journey of conservation.
This forms part of the GH-CFA’s ‘Greening Young Futures’ initiative. With Mantis’ support, these young wildlife ambassadors attend accredited safari guiding courses, gaining first-hand experience in wildlife protection – this opportunity serves as a sprinboard to their career in conservation.
Just €40 can fund a single monitoring session to ensure a rewilded cheetah is adapting to its new environment. To date, donations worth R840 527 (U$ 45 800) from the Accor Live Limitless (ALL) loyalty reward points and gifts have funded over 1 400 days of tracking and monitoring.
The success of this initiative is testament to the power of partnerships in conservation. Every cheetah we rewild represents hope for restoring balance in ecosystems ~ Craig Erasmus
Although cheetahs are part of the ‘cat’ family, they lack the physical strength and retractable claws necessary to climb trees. Instead, they rely on their keen eyesight and speed to scout for prey or avoid predators, using termite mounds and hills to gain a better view. They are specialised predators, emphasising speed and agility over physical power.
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Did you know
The cheetah’s speed is a reminder that in life, timing is everything.
Eco-tourism has the power to transform lives and landscapes and, together with GH-CFA, Mantis is building a legacy of conservation. The rewilding project uplifts communities, maintains ecological balance and ensures future generations are able to see the world’s fastest land in full flight … wild and free!
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*The naming of the four cubs was done via a voting process involving ALL members who donated points to the cheetah rewilding project.
