We are very happy to share with you that we’ve welcomed a new member to the DAKTARI family, Crunchie, a retired male cheetah.

At DAKTARI, we frequently receive animals from rehabilitation centers that cannot be rehabilitated or reintroduced into the wild. In our wildlife orphanage, we not only provide them with excellent care but also utilize them for educational purposes with the students we host weekly. Most of these children have never encountered animals such as cheetahs, lions, buffaloes, and ostriches, and at DAKTARI, we seize the opportunity to educate them about these species. Furthermore, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife living in their natural habitats while maintaining our focus on providing environmental education.

Crunchie was entrusted to DAKTARI by the HESC -Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. He is 13 years old and was involved in a reproduction program aimed at species preservation. Through this initiative, several cheetahs have been reintroduced into the wild to diversify genetic lines within game reserves and prevent inbreeding, as cheetah populations in Africa are closely genetically related.

We would like to extend our gratitude to HESC for their continued trust in DAKTARI. Our vision is to foster a local community that is passionate about and committed to protecting the animals in their vicinity. Achieving this goal is only possible through our wildlife orphanage. Indeed, without the opportunity to see, touch, and care for these animals, children would not develop a passion for wildlife and environmental conservation. This underscores the crucial role of the animals in our orphanage as ambassadors for their species’ protection.

 

We are always in need of short-term and long-term volunteers here at DAKTARI. Come check out these amazing opportunities to volunteer with us out in the African bush! DAKTARI appreciates your support!

 

DISCLAIMER! DAKTARI is a private reserve that educates local youth on the environment, conservation, and the importance of respecting wildlife. *WE DO NOT USE ANIMALS AT DAKTARI FOR EXPLOITIVE PURPOSES*