Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has rescued a cheetah that had been raised by a woman in Kursi Village, Garissa County, after she found it stranded and decided to take care of it as her own.
In a statement on Thursday, October 23, KWS said the woman rescued and took care of the animal by feeding, bathing and treating it as a pet cat for two years.
"In Kursi Village, Garissa County, a compassionate woman once rescued a stranded cheetah cub and lovingly raised it as her own for nearly two years – feeding, bathing, and even leashing it like a pet cat," the KWS statement reads.
KWS stated that while the intentions of a woman were noble, the Community and Wildlife Service Division learnt of the case and rescued the animal.
It stated that keeping wild animals is against the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (WCMA), and it ensures that wild animals stay in their natural habitat.
The Rescued Cheetah was taken in by KWS officers for examinations by veterinary teams. According to KWS, the animal underwent a full health check, laboratory test and treatment for parasites.
It confirmed that the cheetah is now under expert care at Nairobi Safari Walk to thrive and contribute to conservation and education efforts.
The agency appreciated the woman for her compassion and for taking care of the animal.
“We deeply appreciate the Good Samaritan’s compassion and remind all Kenyans that true coexistence means protecting wildlife where they belong — in the wild,” the statement added.
Under Kenya's Wildlife Conservation and Management Act of 2013, it is unlawful to keep any wild animal in captivity without a licence from the Director General of the KWS.
In Kenya, keeping wild animals as pets is therefore prohibited unless you have obtained a specific permit for that purpose.
Before the agency issues a license, KWS will evaluate your capacity to care for the animal long-term and the suitability of your facilities, which mostly applies to any individual, body, group, or organisation.
