ANIMAL RELEASES
Releasing animals back into approved protected areas in the wild is an important aspect of our conservation programmes for particularly cheetahs and rhinos, but also for the various other species rehabilitated or treated at our Centre.
Whether an animal is captive bred, brought to us as a problem animal (that has killed or has the potential to kill livestock) or brought by nature conservation authorities after being found without a permit and in unsuitable conditions, the goal is to re-establish it in the wild in its natural habitat. While we do this regularly and because we believe it is the right thing to do, such releases are often emotional events for our staff who bond closely with animals that can spend up to five years with us while being rehabilitated. Besides cheetahs and rhinos, many a wild dog, civet, caracal, genet, bush pig, white-tailed mongoose and even birds such as southern ground hornbills now roam free again after their sojourn with us.
Our ethos remains: set them free where they belong.