Cheetah Keepers' Experience at CCF - All About the Cheetah

Interested to learn about what is involved in the care of cheetahs once CCF is called to rescued cheetahs from human-wildlife conflicts or illegal wildlife pet trade?  You will meet some of the cheetahs that were under the care of Becky and Nathalie and learn about their unique stories of rescue and rehabilitation. 

Becky Johnston, first started out as an intern at CCF Namibia, and ended up staying for seven years as a cheetah keeper at the centre. One of her favourite activities with CCF Namibia was interacting with visitors from all over the world and being able to share her stories about the resident cheetahs, and the work that CCF is doing to help keep them in the wild. She is now back in Alberta, but still involved with CCF as the assistant studbook keeper with the International Cheetah Studbook. 

Nathalie Santerre, who spent 22 months in Somaliland, is back in Quebec.  She was part of the team that moved the 92 cheetahs from Hargeisa to Geed-Deeble where the cheetahs are now in an environment closest to the wild. She knows how challenging it is caring for cheetahs rescued from the illegal wildlife trade; they are received in very poor condition and their chance of survival can be a significant challenge.  Prior to her time in Somaliland, Nathalie was Director of Zoology and Conservation at Parc Safari and brought lots of knowledge related to cheetah care.