A Historic Milestone - The Release of Our First Cheetah

A New Beginning: Xyla's Birth

In October 2022, the Cango Wildlife Ranch in Oudtshoorn, South Africa, celebrated the arrival of five cheetah cubs born to Sansa, one of the ranch’s resident cheetahs. Xyla, the smallest of her litter, joined her siblings Xion, Xara, Xena, and Xavier in a secure environment designed to maximize their survival. These cubs were part of an ongoing effort by Cango’s non-profit conservation wing, the Cheetah Preservation Foundation (CPF), to bolster cheetah populations through carefully managed breeding programs.

Despite her diminutive size, Xyla quickly stood out for her playful, curious nature. Described by her caretakers as a “busy-body with a flair for the dramatic,” Xyla brought vibrancy to her family group. This lively spirit would later prove essential to her journey into the wild.

Overcoming Odds: Early Care and Development

In the wild, cheetah cubs face daunting survival challenges, with mortality rates as high as 70% due to predation and environmental factors. At the Cango Wildlife Ranch, these odds are dramatically improved through round-the-clock care and expertise. For the first two weeks, Sansa nurtured her cubs, providing them with essential nutrients through her colostrum, a milk-like substance high in protein, vitamins, and more. Thereafter, the cubs were moved to a hand-raising centre, where trained staff ensured they received the best possible care.

By the time Xyla was six months old, she had developed her distinctive personality. While her siblings also displayed unique traits — Xion’s exploratory nature, Xena’s feistiness, and Xara’s calm demeanor — Xyla remained a source of endless energy. Her spirited character would soon take centre stage in an ambitious conservation initiative.

A Call to Action: The Conservation Context

Cheetahs, classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), number fewer than 7,100 in the wild. Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal poaching continue to threaten their survival. For decades, the Cheetah Preservation Foundation has been at the forefront of efforts to combat these challenges through breeding, research, and public education. However, rewilding — the process of reintroducing captive-born cheetahs to the wild — represents a critical next step in conservation.

The partnership between Cango Wildlife Ranch and SanWild Sanctuary was forged to address this need. The rewilding program aims to increase genetic diversity, restore ecosystem balance, and engage communities.

A Grueling Journey: Xyla’s Move to SanWild Sanctuary

June 2024 brought an unforeseen challenge to the ranch. Heavy rains caused severe flooding, forcing an emergency evacuation of several animals from the path of the swiftly rising waters. Amidst this crisis, Xyla’s planned journey to SanWild Sanctuary near Kruger National Park was delayed. Staff redirected their efforts to protecting the animals on-site, demonstrating unwavering dedication in the face of adversity.

Once the immediate danger passed, preparations resumed. On the evening of 21 June, only 3 days after the floods had subsided, an exhausted, but dedicated, team of Cango staff, as well as a member of our Wild Animal Volunteers program (WAV), set out on the 1,624-kilometre journey to SanWild. Driving overnight, they ensured Xyla’s safety and comfort during the long trek. By 14:30 on 22 June, Xyla took her first cautious steps into her new home — a sprawling 3,000-hectare reserve teeming with opportunities to hone her survival instincts. It was an emotional moment for the Cango Wildlife Ranch staff present, especially for two staff who were personally involved in raising Xyla. This moment did not just represent the start of an amazing new life for Xyla, as well as a personal triumph for the ranch’s staff, but also represented the culmination of 36 years of hard work since the founding of the Cheetah Preservation Foundation in 1988.

Rewilding in Action: Xyla’s Progress

At SanWild Sanctuary, Xyla entered the soft-release phase of rewilding. This process involves acclimatization within a controlled environment, where she could develop essential skills like hunting. For months, she was closely monitored by conservationists who provided her with pre-killed prey as she adjusted to her new surroundings.

The turning point came when Xyla successfully transitioned to hunting live game. This milestone marked her growing independence and readiness for full release into the wild. Regular updates from SanWild staff have kept the Cango Wildlife Ranch team informed of her progress, reinforcing the importance of their efforts.

The Broader Impact: Conservation Through Collaboration

Xyla’s release is a landmark achievement for the Cheetah Preservation Foundation and its partners. While the CPF has long contributed to cheetah conservation through breeding and genetic research, Xyla’s journey represents a significant expansion into rewilding efforts.

Key outcomes of the rewilding program include:

1. Enhanced Genetic Diversity: By reintroducing captive-born cheetahs like Xyla, the program helps combat inbreeding in wild populations

2. Community Engagement: SanWild’s and Cango’s community outreach initiatives aim to educate local and international community members to advocate for wildlife conservation

3. Increased Awareness: Stories like Xyla’s inspire global audiences to support conservation efforts.

The Role of SanWild Sanctuary

SanWild Sanctuary has been a cornerstone of wildlife rehabilitation for over 20 years. Founded by conservationist Louise Joubert, the sanctuary spans a diverse savannah landscape, providing a haven for numerous species, including the “Big Five.” The Cheetah Project at SanWild aligns seamlessly with CPF’s mission, focusing on:

• Rehabilitation: Ensuring cheetahs like Xyla adapt to the wild through controlled exposure
• Research: Monitoring cheetahs with radio collars to gather data on behaviour and habitat use
• Reintroduction: Successfully releasing cheetahs into reserves across Southern Africa.

Xyla’s integration into this program underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing the complex challenges of conservation.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Rewilding

Xyla’s journey is just the beginning. The Cheetah Preservation Foundation and the Cango Wildlife Ranch aim to expand their rewilding efforts, building on the lessons learned from this pioneering initiative. By working closely with SanWild and other conservation partners, they hope to:

• Reintroduce more captive-born cheetahs into the wild
• Conduct further research to optimize rewilding strategies
• Inspire global action to protect endangered species

Conclusion: A Legacy of Hope

Xyla’s story is a testament to the resilience of both animals and the people dedicated to their survival. From her early days as a playful cub to her bold steps into the wild, she embodies the potential for conservation to make a lasting impact. Her journey reminds us that every effort counts in preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystems.

As we celebrate Xyla’s success, we look forward to a future where more cheetahs roam free, fulfilling their vital role in the natural world. Together, through passion and collaboration, we can ensure that these magnificent creatures thrive for generations to come.