Cheetah and 4 Cubs Released into Wild After Years of Captivity

Nkanyiso Returns to the Wild: A Milestone Moment for Cheetah Conservation in the Eastern Cape

The Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa is proud to announce the release of Nkanyiso, a once-captive cheetah, and her four cubs back into the wild at Nyosi Wildlife Reserve. This marks a significant milestone in the cheetahs’ rewilding journey and a broader effort to protect vulnerable species in Southern Africa.

Nkanyiso first arrived at Nyosi Wildlife Reserve in April 2023 as part of a collaborative rewilding programme with Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa, The Metapopulation Initiative and Nyosi Wildlife Reserve. After spending her early years in captivity, she underwent a carefully monitored rewilding process—learning to hunt, roam freely and thrive without human assistance.

In April 2024, Nkanyiso’s progress took an unexpected turn when she sustained a serious leg injury, later confirmed to be a break in her front right leg. With the help of dedicated field guides and veterinary support, Nkanyiso was rescued and treated—and it was discovered she had recently given birth. The field guides sprang into action and against all odds, located her four cubs within the 2,500-hectare (6,200-acre) reserve, and safely recovered and reunited them with their mother during her recovery.

After a successful surgery and months of care, Nkanyiso has made a full recovery and was cleared for release by veterinary experts. Today marks a powerful new chapter as Nkanyiso returns to the wild — this time with her four cubs. Her cubs were also named recently, the two males are named Zuko (meaning glory) and Khukhula (meaning storm) and the females are named Amani (meaning peace) and Amira (meaning princess).

“Nkanyiso’s story is one of hope, resilience and the incredible possibilities of rewilding,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of Global Humane Society. “Her release, alongside her cubs, is a milestone for cheetah conservation and a victory for all who fight to protect endangered species. Global Humane Society remains committed to ensuring that wild animals everywhere are treated with the care and respect they deserve.”

Nkanyiso and her cubs will continue to be monitored through GPS tracking devices as they settle into their wild home—an important step toward in contributing to a sustainable and thriving cheetah population in the Eastern Cape.

“This release is a powerful testament to the resilience of wildlife and the importance of rewilding and long-term conservation work,” said Taryn Gillson, Global Humane Society’s Regional Director for Africa. “Nkanyiso’s story—from captivity to thriving mother in the wild—represents exactly what conservation efforts strive to achieve.”

The rewilding project is made possible through the combined efforts of the Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa, a program of Global Humane Society, and Nyosi Wildlife Reserve. Mantis, a conservation-focused hospitality group and a brand within the Accor family, has provided essential financial support through the donation of ALL – Accor Live Limitless Reward points, specifically allocated for the Cheetah Rewilding Project. Additionally, The Metapopulation Initiative serves as a valuable advisor to the project, offering expert guidance on best practices for cheetah conservation.

About the Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa:
The Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa (GH-CFA), an initiative under Global Humane Society, is deeply committed to the preservation and protection of Africa’s wildlife and wilderness areas. As the international brand of American Humane Society, the oldest national animal welfare organization in the United States, Global Humane’s mission resonates with a legacy of nearly 150 years of pioneering efforts. Based in South Africa, GH-CFA focuses on conserving, rewilding, and safeguarding Africa’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Through its strategic initiatives – Space for Species, Wildlife & Biodiversity, and Conservation for Communities – GH-CFA strives to create safe habitats, enhance genetic diversity, and promote the interconnectedness of all species. For more information, please visit www.GlobalHumane.africa, follow along on Facebook, X, and Instagram and subscribe to our channel on YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.

About Nyosi Wildlife Reserve:
A first-of-its-kind, peri-urban game reserve nestled between two cities, where wildlife roams freely as humans and nature reunite to rewild the landscape. Nyosi Wildlife Reserve is deeply committed to conservation and community, focusing on preserving its diverse biomes and wildlife through sustainable practices and rewilding initiatives. Equally, the reserve is dedicated to empowering the local community through employment, support of local businesses, and educational outreach, fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and growth. Website: https://nyosireserve.com/ follow along on Facebook and Instagram

About The Metapopulation Initiative:
In the last century, wild cheetahs have undergone a drastic reduction in global geographic range and population size. Complementary to state-owned protected areas, many private land conservation areas have been set aside in Southern Africa to conserve biodiversity. Barriers (fences) protect cheetahs and other wild animals from the increasing threats of humanity and agriculture but restrict wildlife movement. By coordinating translocations between participating reserves, The Metapopulation Initiative helps private and state wildlife custodians manage inbreeding, overpopulation, and local extinction on their lands while identifying new areas of suitable cheetah habitat for reintroduction. Metapopulation management of cheetahs has enabled the reestablishment of a viable population comprising several interconnected subpopulations. Since 2011, the metapopulation has expanded from 217 wild cheetahs on 41 South African reserves to >537 on 75 reserves distributed across South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and India. Website: https://metapopulation.org/

About Global Humane Society:
Global Humane Society is the international brand of American Humane Society, which is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, helping to verify the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. American Humane Society has been at the forefront of virtually every major advancement in the humane movement to rescue, care for and protect animals. For more information or to support our life-changing work, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram and subscribe to our channel on YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.

About Mantis:
Mantis is a leading conservation-focused hotel brand with eco-lodges, waterways and curated eco-resorts located in remote destinations. Sustainable travellers have been enjoying eco-tourism, safaris and adventure travel with Mantis since 2000. Rooted in conservation, Mantis pursues sustainable business practices and develops tourism products that are respectful of the environment and communities in which they operate. Acclaimed for its pioneering work in development, management, marketing, education and conservation, Mantis’s business model successfully combines responsible tourism, conservation and adventure, which translates to one-of-a-kind travel experiences. Whether small and intimate or vast and complex, on a sweeping African plain, in a bustling city, or in the midst of a forest, each is an exceptional place for guests to find themselves. While uniquely different in the experiences they offer, all are linked through a collective ambition to be extraordinary; to be rare in a world that mass-produces sameness. Mantis consistently curates, collects and discovers destinations and experiences that stir the soul, defy expectations and live in the heart forever. Mantis is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries, over 5,600 properties, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities or flexible workspaces, and a participating brand in ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. For more information visit: www.mantiscollection.com. An exceptional place to find yourself. mantiscollection.com | all.com | group.accor.com

Source: The Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa (GH-CFA)

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