Visit the Ashia Cheetah Conservation to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures and experience the thrill of a lifetime. This sanctuary, located in Paarl, is strongly dedicated to preserving these magnificent animals and their natural habitats and educating visitors about them.
Its top aim is to preserve the health and happiness of the wildlife species in Ashia Cheetah Conservation's preserve. The Ashia Cheetah Centre was founded in 2016 by conservationists Chantal Rischard and Stephan Illenberger to prevent the illegal trade of cheetah skins and other cruelty towards the species. At this facility, conservation efforts geared toward protecting cheetahs are coordinated locally and internationally.
Cheetahs population
The cheetah population has declined significantly, prompting experts to urge their conservation status to change from 'vulnerable' to 'endangered' on the IUCN Red List. Therefore, cheetah conservation programmes were established to stop this trend.
Ashia Cheetah Conservation helps provide a proper habitat for cheetahs to grow while ensuring their protection. These conservation initiatives include animal care and the preservation of the creatures' natural environment. The centre begins Ashia's tiered pre-release procedure, which provides for dietary adjustments, physical training, DNA testing, health exams, and immunisations. Cheetahs are transported to pre-release locations inside partnered game reserves ranging from 200 to 5,000 hectares once they are considered healthy. This is where they develop their hunting abilities until they are ready to be released or reintroduced into the southern African population.
A space for the wild cats to get care
Cheetahs, renowned as the best predators in the animal kingdom, captivate with their incredible power and speed. However, like any other species, they must exercise caution when confronted with threats to their number. Ashia's conservation efforts provide a perfect home for injured cheetahs, including specialised veterinary treatment and rehabilitation services. Furthermore, Ashia actively supports and initiates research programmes to significantly contribute to the southern African cheetah population's conservation, genetic integrity, growth, and extension.
Ashia's Release & Reintroduction Program
In 2017, Ashia began its Release & Reintroduction Programme, working with cheetah specialists to draw first plans and start conversations with prospective wildlife reserves. The programme reached a key milestone when it formally launched in August 2018. Ashia walled off three pre-release parts covering 300-600 hectares within a private wildlife reserve.
Each segment comprises holding bomas, allowing cheetahs to acclimate to their new natural environment after being relocated from Ashia. This effective pre-release technique has been repeated through collaborative agreements with several private game reserves throughout southern Africa, boosting Ashia's impact on cheetah conservation efforts.
Go to Ashia Cheetah Centre to see the cheetahs up close
The Sanctuary Tour is a one-hour guided tour that gives insights into the cheetah conservation programme and the most recent updates on the Release and Reintroduction Programme. Suppose you want to make a bigger difference. In that case, you may join up to "volunteer for a day" and spend the day helping animal caretakers with feeding, enrichment activities, and other daily care responsibilities.
Visitors may also experience the remarkable speed of cheetahs during the Cheetah Run activity, which showcases the cheetahs' fitness sessions. This exhilarating encounter takes place on the running track, allowing you to see and photograph these beautiful animals in action.
Furthermore, the Ashia Cheetah Centre hosts conferences and educational activities at its Education Centre, providing a venue for knowledge sharing and collaboration in cheetah conservation. The centre also offers gift certificates, which allow recipients to have a memorable time at Ashia.
Get to know Paarl
When you visit Ashia Cheetah Conservation, you can learn more about these incredible animals while exploring the charming town of Paarl. You'll find exquisite places in this enchanting town, surrounded by lush vineyards. From outdoor adventures to gourmet delights, Paarl has it all. Browse our Paarl property listings to see what's for sale or to rent in this captivating town.