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Newsletter update: AfriCat UK is aiming to resume publication of its newsletter during 2026. We are still keen to talk to anyone interested in helping or taking over its production (current delivery mechanism is Mailchimp) we would just love to hear from you, please get in touch with janet@africat.co.uk
International Cheetah Day 2026
The 4th December marks International Cheetah Day, a day which encourages people worldwide to support projects that are aimed at helping this animal win the race against extinction.
The Cheetah is known by many to be the fastest land mammal on earth reaching a top speed of 70 miles per hour and has a stride at that speed of 21ft. It can cover the ground at this speed because of a tail that helps it balance when making sharp turns when chasing its prey who twist and turn to get away.
Cheetah (sometimes confused with leopards) are big slender cats with long legs, and to some people they have a bit of a look of a greyhound. They have lots of black spots that make them harder to spot in the African bush. Not exclusive to Africa they are found in Asia too but in fewer numbers.
International Cheetah Day 2026
The 4th December marks International Cheetah Day, a day which encourages people worldwide to support projects that are aimed at helping this animal win the race against extinction.
The Cheetah is known by many to be the fastest land mammal on earth reaching a top speed of 70 miles per hour and has a stride at that speed of 21ft. It can cover the ground at this speed because of a tail that helps it balance when making sharp turns when chasing its prey who twist and turn to get away.
Cheetah (sometimes confused with leopards) are big slender cats with long legs, and to some people they have a bit of a look of a greyhound. They have lots of black spots that make them harder to spot in the African bush. Not exclusive to Africa they are found in Asia too but in fewer numbers.
The Cheetah is the most endangered ‘Big Cat’ with numbers falling and are now thought to be below 8,000 living in the wild worldwide. The reasons for the decline are sadly familiar, and include trophy hunting, retaliatory killing by famers if they take livestock, habitat loss and fragmentation due to human encroachment and infrastructure developments.
Cheetah being at the lower end of the pecking order of carnivores have developed strategies to help them survive when living alongside other predators but need space. As the land available for wildlife contracts or is fenced the pressures from competing carnivores’ leopards, lions and hyenas who will steal cheetah
kills means cheetah numbers decline, as they the cheetah try to find new homes in marginal and problematic habitat.
AfriCat Foundation and their love of Cheetah – how increases in knowledge lead changed actions.
When The AfriCat Foundation was founded in the very early 1990s one key aim was to ensure the ongoing survival of both Cheetah and Leopard running wild in Namibia including farmland. For this to happen farmers (both commercial and the local subsistence farmer) needed to understand leopard and cheetah ecology and learn how to farm successful with predators on their land. AfriCat set about providing information and support to farmers.
Research on what is now The Okonjima Nature Reserve, but was previously a cattle farm, had found ways to reduce the losses of livestock calves to cheetah and leopard. Sharing these methods and working at persuading farmers to stop killing the cats was, at times, an uphill struggle. One common practice with commercial farmers, was box trapping. This as the name suggests involved baiting a metal crate that had a door that would drop behind the cat going in to retrieve the meat. Once a cat was caught, farmers were encouraged to call AfriCat where advice was information shared. Several outcomes were possible from these discussions- not all good from the cat’s perspective.
Cats could become injured in these traps. AfriCat became known as a place that would take injured cats. The AfriCat Foundation worked with Government Agencies and was asked by the
Government to home cheetah who were being badly treated, injured or if cubs had been left after their mother had been shot. AfriCat become a kind of rescue centre for injured, confiscated cats or young cubs.
Research work on keeping captive large cats has provided valuable data on the best ways to look after cheetah and helped with their welfare. However, The AfriCat Foundation’s goal was to see leopards and cheetah running wild, so with a growing population of captive
cheetah the question arose was it possible to return cheetah to the wild?
Cheetah cubs are not born with a strong instinct of knowing how to hunt, they learn from watching mum. Collective wisdom at the time was that captive cheetah would not be able to fend for themselves if returned to the wild. The AfriCat Foundation decided to try.
It is worth saying that cheetah are considered to be the least dangerous of the big cats, they have been kept as pets and can become used to people, which has both positive and negative benefits.
AfriCat secured a wild area with a predator proof fence to see if captive cheetah could ‘return to the wild’ a process that is not without its risks. The cheetah had collars so they could be tracked and were closely monitored with some supplementary feeding as needed. Over time a picture built up of the best conditions to give cheetah a chance to return to the wild. There were some key successes, including Spirit who was a successfully reared offspring of a rehabilitated cheetah living wild on The Okonjima Nature Reserve.
This article is currently being edited…..
Introducing Heather UJ Nependa MSc, Research Ecologist and Science Communications Officer with the AfriCat Foundation at The Okonjima Nature Reserve.
Heather first visited Okonjima while in primary school as part of the AfriCat Foundation outreach education programme. The experience shaped her academic and professional trajectory, and she resolved to pursue a career in conservation with the aim of one day working for AfriCat.
She subsequently completed undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Conservation Ecology and Entomology at the University of Stellenbosch. During her master’s research in 2018, she returned to Okonjima to undertake field sampling. In 2025 she rejoined on a part time basis and, from 2026, has been permanently employed at Okonjima Nature Reserve.
Her professional journey reflects the long-term value of conservation education initiatives. Support from AfriCat UK contributed to the outreach programme that first introduced her to Okonjima, demonstrating how sustained investment in environmental education can influence career pathways in conservation science.
Heather currently contributes to the AfriCat Pangolin Research Project and supports broader ecological research undertaken by the Foundation. She is also preparing an article provisionally titled “Decades of Return: Stories from Guests Who Have Walked with Okonjima and AfriCat for Over 10 Years”.
Chris Packham Tour
For AfriCat UK supporters in the UK our Patron Chris Packham is on tour with his new talk World of Wonder A plant on the Edge . Well worth exploring further!
Namibian Lion Trust T-shirts designed by Leading London Fashion Designer, Daniel James
The Namibian Lion Trust are super-excited to announce a ground-breaking initiative in wildlife conservation.
Today we are launching a unique range of specialist designer clothing based on the fusion of the core values of Fashion, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Conservation, and designed from the outset in support of the Namibian Lion Trust.
Leading London Fashion Designer, Daniel James, has very kindly designed a unique range of clothing incorporating specialist features that combine style with practicality, functionality with flair.
All profits/proceeds come directly to us at the Namibian Lion Trust.
Namibian Lion Trust T-shirts designed by Leading London Fashion Designer, Daniel James
The Namibian Lion Trust are super-excited to announce a ground-breaking initiative in wildlife conservation.
Today we are launching a unique range of specialist designer clothing based on the fusion of the core values of Fashion, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Conservation, and designed from the outset in support of the Namibian Lion Trust.
Leading London Fashion Designer, Daniel James, has very kindly designed a unique range of clothing incorporating specialist features that combine style with practicality, functionality with flair.
All profits/proceeds come directly to us at the Namibian Lion Trust.
World Rhino Day is a day of awareness for all five rhino species and the work being done to save them by rhino experts and advocates around the world.
Okonjima Nature Reserve is home to a small number of White Rhino, which are a treat to see in their natural habitat. Those staying at Okonjima can arrange to visit them, in certain circumstances this may be on foot.
White Rhinos are struggling as they continue to be poached for their horn, which is nothing more than what your nails are made of. Really sadly some people still hold onto a belief that it has healing properties – it does not. As the horn has value on the black market these magnificent creatures are still slaughtered and worse still have their horns cut off with chain saws and then left to die.
One of Daniel’s many celebrity clients is Ronnie Woods of the Rolling Stones! Daniel designs all of Ronnie’s stage outfits and Ronnie has very kindly donated one of his specially-commissioned Lion artworks to be printed on a one-off T-shirt for our unique use. – All proceeds come directly to us at the Namibian Lion Trust.
Ronnie has been supporting conservation efforts for many years and we are very grateful for his support with this project.
Please follow the link below to go directly to Daniels James’s website to see the whole collection he has designed alongside, as well as the very special Ronnie Woods Lion artwork T-shirt or use the QR code.
Shop now and support the work of the Namibian Lion Trust
For more information about The Namibian Lion Trust please visit their website.
Thank you from the AfriCat UK Board
We have been delighted to see the funds coming in from a range of sources.
The AfriCat UK online shop has increased its range of goods and includes mugs, cards water bottles as well as a range of other items. It is worth checking out from time to time as things do get added. If there is something particular you are after, do email janet@africat.co.uk with the detail of what you would like and it may be possible to design it for you. Please allow plenty of time.
The new Namibian Lion Trust merchandise from London Fashion Designer Daniel James has been well received and sales have been steady especially in the run up to Christmas. They do make excellent presents for all ages.
Easyfundraising continues to be popular and is an excellent way to help AfriCat UK without costing you a penny, please spread the word and if you have not signed up yet please do. The shop you purchase the goods from give us a small percentage of the time cost.
We have been delighted to see that people have been making donations via Benevity which is a corporate platform that enables people across the world to donate to charities of their choice.
We are very grateful to be remembered by a recent friend of AfriCat UK in their will and will ensure their generosity is used to good advantage.
There is still a supply of prints taken by Chris Packham you can purchase.
Check out the details in the shop section of the website.
In 2025 we hope to expand and increase the ways people can support AfriCat UK and The Namibian Lion Trust. Any suggestions and ideas are most welcome.
AfriCat UK
The AfriCat UK Board.
The three current Trustees of AfriCat UK are Frank Horan as Chairman, Charlotte Shipton and Janet Widdows. In addition, we have keen supporters of the work in Namibia who assist the Board with various tasks and our longstanding Patrons and Ambassadors. The Board is keen to hear from anyone who would like to help with fundraising, tasks associated with running the charity or those willing to join the Board.
Any offers of help are most welcome, please contact either Frank or Janet or Charlotte
AfriCat UK’s Vision
To contribute towards the conservation efforts of the Namibian charities who work to conserve suitable habitat and environments where carnivores and endangered species can thrive and survive. This work will involve education, research and working with local communities.
Misson Statement
To promote the need for conservation of the natural world for all in Namibia. To work with local charities supporting their projects and initiatives. This will include but not be limited too, awareness raising of issues in the UK, Namibia and the wider world; supporting local educational initiatives; fundraising; promoting visits to the region and Okonjima; encouraging and sharing relevant research work; working to reduce human wildlife conflict and to involve local communities with all relevant activities.
Contacting AfriCat UK
correspondence address: 5 Brackendale Way, Reading, Berkshire RG6 1DZ
phone: landline 0118 935 1681 (please leave a message if no reply)
email address: support@africat.co.uk has replaced info-uk@africat.org but anything sent to the old email is being forwarded and we will reply.
AfriCat UK board members can be contacted with their first name followed by @africat.co.uk
website: www.africat.co.uk
AfriCat - Behind the Scenes
The AfriCat Foundation welcomes Okonjima guests to come behind the scenes to learn first-hand about the work of the Foundation.
The AfriCat Behind The Scenes programme is available for groups of guests between 4 to 8 pax booked into the Okonjima Bush Camp or Luxury Villa for at least three nights on a fully inclusive basis.
This experience will give you a deeper insight into our research projects, such as the Brown Hyaena, Pangolin, the Leopard and other endangered species. Guests will be able to see and participate in AfriCat work that can be scheduled for the time of the visit such as re-collaring as well as the option of meeting the “AfriCat ambassador carnivores” that are in the care of AfriCat.
For more information please visit: AfriCat Behind the Scenes
Since 2014, AfriCat UK (UK Charity Commission Number 1120026) has supported The AfriCat Foundation and The Namibian Lion Trust (Formerly AfriCat North). AfriCat UK raises funds for the various programs that have been developed by the Namibian charities to assist in research of key species, research of solutions to Human Wildlife Conflict, and the education of local communities in Namibia.
We have successfully funded research that has assisted in the better understanding of the Cheetah, Pangolin, Leopard, Lion, and Hyenas. AfriCat UK have funded the building of a school for local communities to improve the link in conservation and education for future generations. Many world renowned veterinary clinicians have based their research and resultant doctorates on the animals and facilities that can be found at the two charities in Namibia that we continue to fund. The importance of this research allows for wide-spread conservation initiatives that impact species globally.