Shetani is a fursuiter, cosplayer, hobbyist, and all-around nerd from the East Coast, USA. This lifelong cheetah aficionado has supported the Cheetah Conservation Fund since childhood, and her affinity for the species runs so deep, she even chose the cheetah to represent herself! Shetani is passionate about promoting wildlife education, and encourages members of the furry community to learn more about the real-life animals we love and what we can do to help protect them. She's thrilled to take part in the 3rd annual Cheetah Fit Challenge and lend a paw in helping the CCF continue their invaluable conservation efforts.
Bolstered by the success of viral videos and pictures on social media, the illegal pet trade is one of the largest threats to the cheetah in the wild. The majority of trafficked cheetah cubs die long before they can even be sold to buyers, and those that do survive the traumatic ordeal never learn the vital life skills they need to fully function in the wild. With fewer than 7,000 cheetahs remaining in the wild today, trafficking significantly contributes to the decline. (source)
Shetani is taking part in the Cheetah Fit Challenge 2023 to help offset the costs of caring for cheetahs that have been rescued from poachers. All donations will go to the 90+ cheetahs currently in care of the CCF's new Cheetah Rescue and Conservation Center in Geed-Deeble, Somaliland.
