They can sprint at over 100km per hour for a distance of up to 400m. They only weigh in at 45kg with their streamline bodies designed for the chase. They will never be the holder of the heavyweight title, but these spotted African cats literally run away with the title of featherweight champion of the world!

Cheetahs were in the process of becoming extinct, their estimated population at present in the wild, world wide is numbered between 9 000 – 12 000 animals. The two largest populations occurring in East ( Kenya and Tanzania) and Southern Africa (Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa). The wild population in South Africa is estimated at between 500 – 1000 animals and in Namibia 2 500 – 7 500. The reason for such broad estimation is due to the extreme difficulties in conducting an accurate census. Biologists are currently working on developing more accurate census techniques in order to reflect true records of their population status.

The cheetah populations throughout African and Asia have been reduced drastically due to the destruction of their habitat and the consequent chronic reduction in their natural prey base. As a result of this the cheetah has moved into direct conflict with farmers on agricultural land, as they are forced to predate on their livestock. The result being mass extermination either by shooting or live export. Over a period of ten years 7 000 cheetah were reported to have been removed from the Namibian population.

A more concerning factor influencing the cheetahs continued survival is its poor genetic make up. It has been proven that all cheetahs are closely related to each other as a result of in breeding. This is thought to have been caused by a series of population bottlenecks, in other words the population fell so low that massive inbreeding occurred, resulting in very poor genetic diversity. The poor genetic make up of thes animals has influenced their reproductive ability and made them highly susceptible to disease.

It is our goal at the Cango Wildlife Ranch to contribute internationally to the development of sustainable genetically diverse captive population of cheetah and other endangered species. Conservation facilities like ourselves throughout the world have prevented numerous species from becoming extinct. Sustainable captive populations also minimize the need to remove animals from the wild.

The cheetah displayed at the ranch have been hand raised and enjoy human company. Scientific research indicates a high level of infant mortality in the wild and captive cheetah populations. We therefore have opted to minimize this risk by hand raising most of our cubs, insuring an excellent survival rate. We are proud to say that hand-raised animals at Cango have proven to be our most productive breeders.

We here at the ranch believe, that we as a species do not have the right to exterminate other species. We owe it to our children to perpetuate their existence.
Remember Extinction is forever!

The Cango Wildlife Ranch is renowned for its far-reaching efforts in the conservation of the cheetah and has bred over 100 cheetahs in captivity since 1982. The cheetahs on display at the Ranch have all been hand reared to allow visitors, 16 years and older to enter the cheetah enclosure for a face-to-face meeting. In this way we are able to educate the public on a personal level about the plight of the cheetah. For more information on cheetah touching and becoming involved, please visit our
Cheetah Conservation Foundation page.