Dinokeng’s Cheetahs: Part Two: The Unlikely Heroes of Gauteng’s Wilderness
The story of Dinokeng’s Cheetahs: Part Two continues where Part One left off, showcasing how the Rietvlei female – initially deemed unsuitable for release – became the matriarch of Dinokeng Game Reserve’s thriving cheetah population. Today, this urban-edge reserve (www.dinokengreserve.co.za) supports 25 cheetahs, proving that conservation can flourish even near major cities.
Against All Odds: The Rietvlei Female’s Legacy
- Supermother status: Raised 3 litters to independence
- Genetic contributions: Her offspring now roam reserves from Malawi to Zululand
- Rare allomothering behavior: Witnessed when she shared parenting duties with her daughter and their combined 11 cubs
The Rollercoaster of Cheetah Conservation
The journey included both victories and devastating losses:
- The Lalibela males’ triumph: Their legendary stand against a Pilanesberg leopard (video)
- Poaching tragedies: A female found skinned, her paws hacked off for muthi
- Against-the-odds survival: Her 5 orphaned cubs rescued and now in rewilding program
Why Dinokeng Matters
This project demonstrates:
- Cheetah adaptability: Thriving in human-modified landscapes
- Metapopulation strength: 63 reserves collaborating via EWT’s programme
- Urban conservation potential: Wildlife coexisting 30 minutes from Pretoria
“These cats rewrite what we thought possible,” says Vincent van der Merwe, EWT’s Cheetah Metapopulation Coordinator. “From snare victims to supermoms, their stories define modern conservation.”
How You Can Help
Support this work through:
- Ford Wildlife Foundation
- Visiting Dinokeng Game Reserve
- Following the cubs’ rewilding journey
The takeaway? Even near cities, with proper management and community support, Africa’s wildlife can not only survive but thrive.