Somaliland centre saves cheetahs from trafficking to Gulf palacesThe long, slender, spotted felines yawn, stretch and purr loudly as the staff approach the vast, highly protected complex run by Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) in the Geed-Deeble savannah of Somaliland. HARGEISA - The 127 cheetahs living in a Somaliland sanctuary were all torn away from their mothers to be kept as pets in the Gulf, survivors of a trade that threatens the very survival of the species. Cheetahs are considered "critically endangered" across Africa, except in its southern region where they are most abundant, by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. They were part of a group of 11 cubs rescued last year by Somaliland authorities from a smuggling boat. "But I'm seeing new cheetahs popping up on Facebook accounts and posts," animal trafficking expert Daniel Stiles told AFP.

Source: Bangkok Post March 20, 2026 11:25 UTC