As any parent can relate, the time has come for a bittersweet transition. My son, a spirited teenager, is eager to leave home, and while I feel a mix of excitement and concern, my situation is unlike most.
My son is Saba, a cheetah I raised by hand. Born in captivity, he is the first cheetah from a zoo outside of Africa set to be released into the wild.
Today marks a significant milestone as I watched him take his initial steps to freedom in a wildlife reserve in South Africa after an intense 13-hour flight from London.
My husband, Damian Aspinall, and I have dedicated our lives to preparing animals born in captivity for life in the wild.
Our previous successes include gorillas, rhinos, and gibbons, but we are pioneering this effort with cheetahs, a feat that has not yet been accomplished.
Saba was born at our Port Lympne reserve in Kent two and a half years ago. Tragically, half of his mother’s previous litter had not survived. His second litter included three cubs: two males and a female.
Unfortunately, one male cub became gravely ill early on, prompting us to step in when he showed distress.
Our goal was to minimize human intervention, but in this case, it was necessary to save Saba’s life.
We isolated him from his siblings and began the demanding process of hand-rearing. Cheetah cubs needed feeding every two hours, which meant Damian and I took turns caring for him, spending sleepless nights preparing milk, and administering medications.
Despite our efforts, his condition worsened, and vets determined that his liver was malfunctioning. Witnessing his suffering was agonizing, especially when he suffered seizures and at one point, lost his sight.
Gradually, with the help of our dedicated staff, we nursed Saba back to health. I relied on instinct to provide affection, cuddling and talking to him.
He would curl up on me while sleeping, creating a bond that made it easy for me to doze off beside him. Cheetahs purr uniquely, creating a soothing sound that feels therapeutic.
While affection was crucial, we knew that Saba must not become domesticated to survive in the wild.
Much to my chagrin, this meant he couldn’t be housetrained, as our home soon became a litter box, necessitating new carpets after his departure.
We recognized Saba’s recovery when he began eating solid foods, moving from chicken to red meat, signaling it was time for him to transition to outdoor living. Our hopes began to crystallize as we envisioned releasing him alongside his brother, Nairo.
Howletts Wild Animal Park, near Canterbury, aims to prepare endangered species for life in the wild. With 45 different types of animals, our focus is to rehabilitate them for eventual release.
Initially, Saba lived in a wooden shed outside, where I spent a couple of nights to ensure he was comfortable.
The next step in Saba’s development involved honing his hunting skills. Collaborating with the Ashia cheetah sanctuary in South Africa, we installed a mechanized lure similar to those used at dog racing tracks to simulate prey.
This exercise revealed that Saba retained his instincts; he quickly adapted, often showcasing his prowess when pigeons and squirrels wandered into his enclosure.
While Nairo might be stronger, the brothers complemented each other as a hunting duo, typical for male cheetahs.
By around 14 months of age, both Saba and Nairo were ready to live independently in the wild. However, Saba remained affectionate towards Damian and me, seeking our companionship and purring contentedly.
It was heartening to see that he still recognized his identity as a cheetah, demonstrated during a visit from Boris Johnson, who humorously likened meeting Saba to encountering someone with strong opinions on Brexit. Saba simply nibbled on Johnson’s hat, leaving a lasting impression.
Saba has also gained popularity on social media, captivating thousands with his good looks. Browsing through his photos brings a lump to my throat, knowing that I will miss him dearly.
Yet, Saba needs to embrace this new chapter, not only for his own sake but for the survival of his species.
Current estimates indicate fewer than 7,000 cheetahs remain in the wild, facing threats from lions, leopards, and poachers.
Additionally, the illegal pet trade poses a significant risk, with many cubs ending up in tiny cages rather than natural habitats.
If population trends continue, we may see as few as 3,500 wild cheetahs in just 15 years, creating a dangerous risk of inbreeding.
By releasing Saba and Nairo, we hope they can contribute to a healthier gene pool and help strengthen their species.
To survive, adult cheetahs must hunt every few days, even mothers with newborn cubs, who often leave their young behind to forage.
This challenging reality contributes to a high mortality rate for cheetah cubs, with two out of three not surviving past their first month.
Around the globe, zoos have initiated breeding programs for cheetahs, although the process can be difficult.
Our goal is to demonstrate that, with the right preparation, cheetahs born in captivity can thrive in the wild, inspiring conservationists everywhere to follow suit.
I’m filled with pride and hope, but my heart is heavy with worry. What mother wouldn’t feel this way?
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