Caracal - Cheetah Outreach

Ambassador for raising awareness of the Caracal and other small predators on South African farmland. Highlights the importance of the Livestock Guarding Dog Program which results in the removal of shooting, snares, traps and poison in African farms.

Caracals are easily recognized by their distinctive appearance. They have a slender and athletic build with long legs. Their coat is typically a reddish-brown color, and they have distinctive facial markings, including long black tufts on their ears and white markings around their eyes and mouth.

Grace was born on 5 January, 2016, and hand-raised at Bester Birds and Animals Zoo in Johannesburg. She came to Cheetah Outreach at 3 months of age to replace our caracal Ambassador Malaika She had big shoes to fill but with her confidence and friendliness, she sure has become a great Ambassador.

One of the most striking features of caracals is their long, black tufts of hair on the tips of their ears. These tufts, also known as ear furnishings or ear tufts, are characteristic of the species.

Caracals are skilled hunters and are known for their remarkable jumping ability. They can catch birds in mid-air by leaping to impressive heights. They also prey on small mammals like rodents and sometimes take down larger prey.

Caracals are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the night and dawn/dusk periods. This behavior helps them avoid the heat of the day.