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In Memoriam

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Date of Birth: 20/10/1990 - Date of Death: 05/03/2002

Inca
Date of Birth: 09/10/1990 - Date of Death: 01/01/1998

Candy
Date of Birth: 18/02/1996 - Date of Death: 04/03/2010

Shadow
Date of Birth: 15/09/1997 - Date of Death: 26/01/2008

Nyana-Spier
Date of Birth: 15/09/1997 - Date of Death: 27/09/2013

Charlie-Girl
Date of Birth: 01/09/1996 - Date of Death: 03/10/2011

Sha
Date of Birth: 26/05/2007 - Date of Death: 05/02/2018

Hector
Date of Birth: 20/04/2001 - Date of Death: 04/04/2009

Savannah
Date of Birth: 20/04/2001 - Date of Death: 06/07/2012

Zaza
Date of Birth: 30/05/2002 - Date of Death: 12/08/2009

Kaya
Date of Birth: 30/05/2002 - Date of Death: 13/01/2016

Joseph
Date of Birth: 19/05/2005 - Date of Death: 13/10/2018

Hemmingway
Date of Birth: 25/05/2005 - Date of Death: 24/10/2018

Enigma
Date of Birth: 15/04/2015 - Date of Death: 01/10/2016

Madiba
Date of Birth: 18/08/2008 - Date of Death: 20/09/2023

Pedro & Phoenix
Date of Birth: 22/05/2009 - Date of Death: 20/03/2024

Chobe
Date of Birth: 06/05/2014 - Date of Death: 17/04/2024

Rafiki
Date of Birth: 1996 - Date of Death: 02/04/2004

Merlin
Date of Birth: 04/04/2000 - Date of Death: 13/08/2012

Sukie
Date of Birth: 12/10/2010 - Date of Death: 10/01/2014

Brad
Date of Birth: 11/09/2001 - Date of Death: 07/04/2014

Kahlua
Date of Birth: 07/11/2002 - Date of Death: 02/01/2016

Jago
Date of Birth: 15/06/2008 - Date of Death: 25/02/2016

Malaika
Date of Birth: estimated 2008 - Date of Death: 25/08/2019

Goblin
Date of Birth: estimated 05/2010 - Date of Death: 09/04/2020

Legacy
Date of Birth: 26/08/2008 - Date of Death: 28/02/2021

Ntombi
Date of Birth: 08/05/2013 - Date of Death: 14/08/2021

Sherlock
Date of Birth: 15/09/2009 (estimated) - Date of Death: 14/10/2021

Minki
Date of Birth: 14/08/2010 - Date of Death: 24/04/2022

Massif
Date of Birth: 11/12/2006 - Date of Death: 29/10/2022

Sebastian
Date of Birth: 14/08/2010 - Date of Death: 16/11/2022

Jeanne
Date of Birth: 22/10/2014 - Date of Death: 24/02/2023

Lazarus
Date of Birth: 10/10/2010 - Date of Death: 08/06/2023

Janet
Date of Birth: 17/02/2007 - Date of Death:05/10/2024

Baggins
Date of Birth: March 2019 - Date of Death: 20/05/2025

Scoop
Date of Birth: 20/10/1990 - Date of Death: 05/03/2002

Inca

Inca was our gentleman ambassador, always happy to “shake hands and solicit support” for the free-ranging cheetah, but was a home body, not wanting to travel. Inca would look guests directly in the eyes, encouraging their willingness to engage in the conservation of his cousins.

Title:Founding Ambassadors of Cheetah Outreach

Date of Birth: 09/10/1990 - Date of Death: 01/01/1998

Candy

Candy was a very particular lady, only allowing a few people to grace her presence, but those people were trusted baby sitters for her cubs when she wanted to stretch her legs and have a break.

Title:Founding Ambassadors of Cheetah Outreach

Date of Birth: 18/02/1996 - Date of Death: 04/03/2010

Shadow

Shadow was our Hollywood A-lister. He thoroughly enjoyed the limelight and put Cheetah Outreach on the map with his impeccable behavior in front of cameras as well as educating hundreds of thousands of school kids during his Ambassadorship. Everything was an adventure for him and he loved nothing more than travelling and seeing new places and experiences new things.

Title:Founding Ambassadors of Cheetah Outreach

Date of Birth: 15/09/1997 - Date of Death: 26/01/2008

Nyana-Spier

Taking after his father, Nyana-Spier was a gentle giant and the world record holder for the 100m cheetah sprint for many years after setting it at 3.19s in 1999.

Title:The Cheetah Outreach Litter: Parents Candy & Inca

Date of Birth: 15/09/1997 - Date of Death: 27/09/2013

Charlie-Girl

Taking after her mother, Charlie Girl, was extremely independent and had a select few favored people. Charlie is best remembered for her feisty nature with potential suitors, often sending them into veterinary care. No one was ever good enough for her.

Title:The Cheetah Outreach Litter: Parents Candy & Inca

Date of Birth: 01/09/1996 - Date of Death: 03/10/2011

Sha

Sha was a rescued cub from the wild, who was hand-raised with the intention of re-wilding.  Unfortunately she chose not to fit in with her life plan, returning to home every time having not been successful with hunting. Cheetah Outreach provided her with a home where all her comforts were met.

Title:Ambassadors for Cheetah Outreach

Date of Birth: 26/05/2007 - Date of Death: 05/02/2018

Hector

Max and Hector were born and hand-raised in Europe. Unfortunately they were unable to go to the facility they were destined for and we were requested to give them a home where they could be well cared for.

 

Title:Ambassadors for Cheetah Outreach

Date of Birth: 20/04/2001 - Date of Death: 04/04/2009

Savannah

Savannah was a beautiful, regal cheetah and a great Ambassador for her species.  She and her sister Zaza were the first cubs that came to us from the Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Centre (formerly De Wildt) back in 2001 and their arrival caused much excitement. While Zaza had a plucky personality, Savannah was introverted and serious, remaining aloof with all but a handful of people with whom she developed a deep loving bond. She and her sister loved their weekly runs during the summer and continued to be excellent runners long after the younger males lost interest. Despite her detached demeanor, she loved going out to different venues all over Cape Town, participating in off-site functions, photo shoots and films. For several years, she was Cheetah Outreach’s main function cat.  She lived with her sister Zaza until her death at only 8 years of age and for a few select lucky people, gave her unconditional love and trust.

Title:Lady Ambassadors

Date of Birth: 20/04/2001 - Date of Death: 06/07/2012

Zaza

Zaza was the smallest cheetah that CO ever had but she had the heart of a lion. She and her sister Savannah were the first cubs that came to us from the Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Centre (formerly De Wildt) back in 2001 and their arrival caused much excitement. They were dedicated sisters their whole lives and opened up the sisterhood to our young female border collie, Sukie, who they were introduced to when young. Many hours were spent in early morning walks around Spier Wine Estate and handlers took turns sleeping with them in a bed at night, developing a deep bond with those girls. Almost all the CO cheetah Ambassadors have been male but Zaza was an excellent Ambassador, meeting the public in encounters at the facility for several years. Unlike her sister, she preferred staying at home and not venturing out from the facility. While Savannah was introverted and serious, Zaza was outgoing and playful with a mind of her own. When she made a decision about something, it was impossible to change her mind! Despite their different personalities, the sisters were inseparable until Savannah died at an early age. After that, Zaza reached out to people and showed us all what an endless supply of love she possessed.

Title:Lady Ambassadors

Date of Birth: 30/05/2002 - Date of Death: 12/08/2009

Kaya

Kaya understudied Shadow as our school Ambassador, but unfortunately left us too young due to continual health issues. All his life, Kaya sought attention and love from his human partners, enjoying nothing more than having some one just hang out with him.

Title:Gentlemen (and not so gentlemen) Ambassadors

Date of Birth: 30/05/2002 - Date of Death: 13/01/2016

Joseph

Our “Cape Town Surfer Dude”, Joseph was exceptionally laid back and loved engaging with guests. For Joseph strangers were just friends you had not met yet.

Title:Gentlemen (and not so gentlemen) Ambassadors

Date of Birth: 19/05/2005 - Date of Death: 13/10/2018

Hemmingway

Many fell in love with Hemmingway’s large, expressive, pale amber eyes. He was a large, beautifully proportioned cheetah with a long, sleek body.  He was the ‘pretty boy’ of all the cheetahs.  As big as he was, he would be frightened by the smallest thing.  He was a sensitive prima donna who required careful handling by those who worked with him. Once you gained his trust however, he was an amazing ambassador who almost always delivered. He was not always comfortable with public encounters at the facility but he was a star when it came to on-site functions. For many years, he was Cheetah Outreach’s main function cat at the facility and met many celebrities. His crowning achievement was meeting the President of India in 2012.  Surrounded by VIPs, security personnel, and photographers and film crews, he calmly lay on a table for over 45 minutes while the president and her entourage stroked him. His majestic, dignified bearing was captured in newspaper photos around the world. Unlike his adopted brother Enigma, he was not interested in chasing plastic bottles on a whip or participating in enrichment activities. While Enigma ate his egg out of the shell, Hemmingway had to have his scrambled and hand-fed. He was a special cat and he knew it!

Title:Gentlemen (and not so gentlemen) Ambassadors

Date of Birth: 25/05/2005 - Date of Death: 24/10/2018

Enigma

With his long black tufted Mohawk, Enigma was a cheetah version of a punk rocker. He had an attitude to match his ‘hair style’. He could be a stubborn and difficult cat at times, but also the most loving cat you could ever imagine. He had an outsized personality whose charisma radiated throughout Cheetah Outreach. To many he was their favorite cheetah. He lived with his adopted brother Hemmingway and together they formed a loving bond that endured to the end of their lives. One of his favorite pastimes was chasing a plastic bottle attached to a whip. Once he caught it, it was almost impossible to get it away from him as he clamped down on it, closed his eyes and softly growled. Enigma was an unforgettable cat.

Title:Gentlemen (and not so gentlemen) Ambassadors

Date of Birth: 15/04/2015 - Date of Death: 01/10/2016

Madiba

Madiba was blood-brother to Macjik, had the deepest purr and a darker coat than his brother. Sadly Madiba’s time was cut short due to an unlucky infection contracted that was ultimately untreatable in felines.

Title:Those who left us too soon

Date of Birth: 18/08/2008 - Date of Death: 20/09/2023

Pedro & Phoenix

PEDRO

Less gregarious than his brother, Pedro was more of an introvert with a very intense bond with Phoenix. He preferred to be a home body and ensure the home fires were still burning for Phoenix on his return from his travels.

 

PHOENIX

Well known for his love of travel, Phoenix shone on off site presentations. He loved a good sea view, enjoying the occasional walks on a private beach.

 

 

Title:Ambassadors for Cheetah Outreach

Date of Birth: 22/05/2009 - Date of Death: 20/03/2024

Chobe

Chobe came to Cheetah  Outreach at a few weeks of age to be hand-raised as an Ambassador cheetah. He used to love carrying a little pink blanket as a cub. He then grew into an impressive cheetah of 65 kg becoming one of our fastest cheetahs during our enrichment runs. His extraordinary size made him an exceptional cheetah.

Title:Ambassadors for Cheetah Outreach

Date of Birth: 06/05/2014 - Date of Death: 17/04/2024

Rafiki

With a twinkle in his eye that could charm the stars, Rafiki lived life on his own terms with his stunningly smart mind and sensitive spirit. Rafiki’s greatest love was his brother, Ebony. Their bond was unbreakable, a testament to the power of kinship and sibling love. They were a dynamic duo, co-conspirators in mischief since cubhood, and still sought out opportunity to entertain us with their antics in their senior years.

Title:Ambassadors for Cheetah Outreach

Date of Birth: 1996 - Date of Death: 02/04/2004

Merlin

Merlin, a working dog in Namibia, joined us after a serious bout of tick bite fever to be our first Anatolian Ambassador. Once within his trust circle you were his friend for life.

Title:The Hero Ambassadors

Date of Birth: 04/04/2000 - Date of Death: 13/08/2012

Sukie

Sukie perfectly displayed the different working dog temperament, highly active while her Anatolian companion slept. Full of love, she accepted Zaza and Savannah as friends of the heart.

Title:The Hero Ambassadors

Date of Birth: 12/10/2010 - Date of Death: 10/01/2014

Brad

Our “Dennis the Menace”, Brad was always full of energy and up to mischief, but also capable of deep and caring attention to his beloved family.

Title:Little Big Ambassadors

Date of Birth: 11/09/2001 - Date of Death: 07/04/2014

Kahlua

Title:The Hero Ambassadors

Date of Birth: 07/11/2002 - Date of Death: 02/01/2016

Jago

Jago also retired from working on a farm in Namibia to join us in education of the public, always giving the school kids a good idea why they are such an effective deterrent.

Title:The Hero Ambassadors

Date of Birth: 15/06/2008 - Date of Death: 25/02/2016

Malaika

Malaika means angel in Swahili and she more than lived up to her name. Caracals are known for being feisty cats but she was one of the sweetest cats that Cheetah Outreach ever had. She loved life and she loved people, wrapping herself around strangers in greeting on her walks or playfully rolling in the shop, surrounded by guests and without a care in the world. She loved to play, especially with her favorite pink blanket, which she attacked with a vengeance. Malaika faced adversity with courage and never lost her joy for life, her playful spirit and curiosity, or her unconditional trust in humans despite many health challenges throughout her life. She was truly an angel.

Title:Little Big Ambassadors

Date of Birth: estimated 2008 - Date of Death: 25/08/2019

Goblin

Goblin, a retired foxhound, enjoyed his retirement years with Juliet and Sherlock, loving the attention of the public and keeping the neighborhood awake with his barking.

Title:The Hero Ambassadors

Date of Birth: estimated 05/2010 - Date of Death: 09/04/2020

Legacy

Legacy was a small compact cat, most un-serval like, with a funny little knob of a tail. She had a feisty personality and did not put up with anything from anyone, especially her mate Baggins. She was the boss. She was a world-class jumper who passed on her ability to her son Liberty. Despite her spirited personality, she could be very loving with the people she knew well.

Title:Little Big Ambassadors

Date of Birth: 26/08/2008 - Date of Death: 28/02/2021

Ntombi

Ntombi was small but in that little body was a giant character, fearless, endlessly curious about everything, full of love for the people she trusted, and constantly vocal.  She could talk like no other animal at Cheetah Outreach, from explosive yelping to chicken-like cackles.  She had such courage and spirit, getting on with life on only 3 legs from an early age.  She was never more herself than on her walks around the facility, sniffing and investigating every inch of the place, and having a go at Grace on the way.  She was obsessed with both caracals, Malaika and Grace, endlessly chasing them up and down the fence. Feisty and formidable, she had her soft side, cuddling up to a few people she loved for stroking, brushing and face kisses. Ntombi was one of a kind.

Title:Little Big Ambassadors

Date of Birth: 08/05/2013 - Date of Death: 14/08/2021

Sherlock

Sherlock was a lovable personality with his soulful eyes and droopy ears, sniffing out clues and digging for the Kruger rands.

Title:The Hero Ambassadors

Date of Birth: 15/09/2009 (estimated) - Date of Death: 14/10/2021

Minki

The most extraordinary little soul with a zest for life and her favorite treats; she kept us all on our toes and well entertained with her antics.

Title:Little Big Ambassadors

Date of Birth: 14/08/2010 - Date of Death: 24/04/2022

Massif

Massif was our gentle giant making everyone look wherever he went. With his big mane as a trademark, he was a lion in disguise impressing the world for all his achievements as protector of those in need.

Title:The Hero Ambassadors

Date of Birth: 11/12/2006 - Date of Death: 29/10/2022

Sebastian

A magnificent life he lived, reaching so many people around the globe. He was truly the most spectacular little meerkat, with a heart of gold.

Title:Little Big Ambassadors

Date of Birth: 14/08/2010 - Date of Death: 16/11/2022

Jeanne

Sweet Lady Jeanne, constant partner of Massif in their older years and the master of catching intruders in her private space.

Title:The Hero Ambassadors

Date of Birth: 22/10/2014 - Date of Death: 24/02/2023

Lazarus

A shining star serval with that beautiful twinkle in his eyes, he was stunningly smart and mischief making was never far behind. He is cherished by those he loved and knew well.

Title:Little Big Ambassadors

Date of Birth: 10/10/2010 - Date of Death: 08/06/2023

Janet

Our “Miss Janet” was hand-raised making her the most adorable bat-eared fox. With a loving, fascinating and caring personality she was the Best Ambassador for their species. She touched thousands of people, leaving sorrow and longing on those that met her and spent time with her.

Title:Little Big Ambassadors

Date of Birth: 17/02/2007 - Date of Death:05/10/2024

Baggins

Baggins was a pure testimony of resilience, vigor and force. His sturdy presence would keep many of the handlers in check, allowing only a few to approach him and feel the comfort of his kindness. He was an impressive Ambassador for the Serval species, leaving behind his son Liberty with the immense task to fill his dad’s shoes”.

Title:Little Big Ambassadors

Date of Birth: March 2019 - Date of Death: 20/05/2025

Scoop

Scoop was rescued from unfortunate circumstances in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. He was approximately 4-6 weeks of age and very dehydrated when a Strand local found him for sale on the side of the road in May 2019. After being confiscated and nursed back to health with appropriate fluids and nutrition, Scoop became too human-habituated for rehabilitation. He played an important role in educating the public at Cheetah Outreach – especially the discouragement of keeping meerkats as illegal pets. Scoop, also addressed affectionally by his primary caregiver of “Jelly Bean”, had an intriguing personality, where love and hate come hand-in-hand. He was definitely a special character.

:Little Big Ambassadors