A heartwarming yet humbling story has emerged from Kursi Village in Garissa County, where a compassionate woman rescued a stranded cheetah cub and raised it as her own for nearly two years.
According to a statement from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the woman found the young cheetah alone and helpless, prompting her to take it in and provide care out of pure kindness. She fed, bathed, and even leashed the wild animals like a domestic cat.
“For close to two years, she cared for the cub, ensuring it was well-fed and kept safe — a gesture that reflected deep compassion,” KWS said.
The story, shared through the agency’s Community and Wildlife Service Division, quickly captured public attention for its rare blend of humanity and misunderstanding of wildlife laws.
While her actions were guided by empathy, KWS reminded the public that keeping wild animals, even with good intentions, is against the law.
“While her intentions were noble, keeping wildlife — even out of love — is against the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (WCMA), which protects wild animals and ensures their wellbeing in their natural habitats,” the statement read.
After learning of the incident, KWS officers in Garissa moved swiftly to ensure the cheetah’s safety.
The animal was handed over to KWS veterinary experts, who conducted a thorough medical assessment.
“The cheetah was safely taken in by KWS officers and handed over to our veterinary team, who conducted a full health check to ensure it was in good condition, collected samples for laboratory testing, and administered treatment for parasite control,” KWS added.
The animal was later transferred to the Nairobi Safari Walk, where it continues to thrive under expert care as part of KWS’s conservation and education programs.
Now part of a structured rehabilitation program, the cheetah’s case serves as both a touching reminder of human compassion and a lesson on the importance of respecting wildlife laws.
KWS praised the woman’s good heart but urged Kenyans to report stranded or injured wildlife to the nearest KWS office rather than attempting to domesticate them.
“We deeply appreciate the Good Samaritan’s compassion and remind all Kenyans that true coexistence means protecting wildlife where they belong — in the wild,” KWS said.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding wildlife and promoting peaceful coexistence between humans and animals, emphasizing that love for nature is best expressed through responsible conservation.
Saving nature lies at the core of KWS’s mission.
As Kenya’s leading wildlife conservation agency, KWS is committed to providing strong leadership in wildlife management while recognizing that success depends on the dedication and quality of its staff and collaboration with stakeholders.
The agency emphasizes continuous staff training, inclusivity, and diversity across culture, gender, and ability.
By applying science-based solutions and engaging local communities, KWS strives to protect and preserve the planet’s rich biodiversity for future generations.
