Cheetah Cub Rescued from Wildlife Traffickers

In the early hours of March 3rd, 2024, Species Savior Initiative received an urgent call from one of our dedicated wildlife volunteer saviors in Adaadda. They reported that local communities had apprehended a group of wildlife traders attempting to smuggle a cheetah cub stolen from its mother. Despite facing resistance, the traders abandoned the cub in their haste to escape the vigilant community groups dedicated to protacting the cheetah. While the police were mobilized with the support of the local community, the smugglers managed to evade capture.

Adaadda, a rangeland straddling the unmarked border between Somalia and Ethiopia, is renowned for its rich pastures, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife.Within hours of receiving the distress call, our rescue team swiftly journeyed to Adaadda, located approximately 70km west of Garowe. Upon arrival, the team expressed heartfelt gratitude to the local community for their unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation. The cheetah cub was then transported to Garowe, where, due to the absence of a dedicated rescue center, an agreement was reached with the Puntland State Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change to temporarily shelter the cub. Subsequently, the cub was transferred to a newly established sanctuary center under the ministry’s care, where it is currently receiving medical attention and care. 

Wildlife trafficking poses a significant threat in Puntland, Somalia, with cheetah cubs frequently targeted and trafficked to nearby Arabian Peninsula countries, where they are sold as luxury pets. This illicit trade extends beyond cheetahs to include a range of other species, such as antelope, exotic birds, and reptiles. The escalating trafficking activities endanger the region’s wildlife populations. Species Savior Initiative is committed to combating wildlife trafficking through a systematic approach aimed at reducing the illegal trade and safeguarding biodiversity.

This successful rescue operation highlights the critical importance of community-led conservation efforts and underscores the urgent need for collaborative action to protect vulnerable wildlife species from exploitation and trafficking.