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| Earthwatch Volunteers assist Dr. Laurie Marker and the CCF Clinic staff with a wild cheetah work up. |
On the 1st December 2010 the Clinic at CCF performed work ups on 2 wild cheetah cubs. The procedure was led by Dr Laurie Marker and Dr Anais Herbet. Rosie Glazier and many other staff and volunteers were also involved. Current Earthwatch volunteers were able to take part and have a hands-on experience.
The two cubs, one male and one female are around 6 months of age. They were caught in a trap cage by a farmer in the Otjiwarongo region. The mother was unfortunately not caught after several attempts. It is believed that she abandoned the cubs. The anaesthesia went smoothly allowing the team to gain important data and samples; and to be able to assess the health of the young cubs. Both are in very good condition with only a few superficial wounds from the cage. Vaccinations and de-wormers were given and transponders placed. They recovered well and are currently held in a secure quarantine pen close to the centre.
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| During cheetah checkups, the CCF staff measures them and takes samples that provide important data about the cheetah's biology and health. |
Remember, this is one of many examples of what your donations accomplish. Please remember to include the cheetah in your gift list this December, and every dollar will be doubled as part of our year-end challenge!
With best wishes,
The CCF Clinic Staff
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While I am an ardent supporter of CCF and it's work, it's so very sad that these cubs will not be living in the wild.
ReplyDeleteIf the mother did indeed abandon them it would be worth while to determine why, what can be done in the future to ensure that cubs live with their mother for as long as possible. Otherwise the number of captive cheetahs at CCF will continue to rise and we'll just be funding a center for the life-long maintenance of captive cheetahs.
Hi Anonymous, you are absolutely right, and investigating everything that results in cheetahs being removed from the wild is an important part of our work. Furthermore, our re-introduction research seeks to address your concern about the growing number of captive cheetahs at CCF.
ReplyDeleteCould you tell me what percentage of success when young cheetahs are released. How many can survive without the help of man?
ReplyDeletePourriez-vous me dire quel est le pourcentage de réussite lorsque de jeunes guépards sont remis en liberté. Combien parviennent à survivre sans l'aide de l'homme ?
Anonymous, we don't release cheetahs when they are too young to survive, and our re-wilding/re-introduction project is still at the research stage. In 2008 we released five males that have been doing great. You can get information about our re-introduction research from our annual reports on our web site at http://www.cheetah.org/?nd=progress_reports. Especially 2006, 2008-2010, or please contact us directly by e-mail at info at cheetah.org. Thanks. Patricia
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