A woman from Kursi Village in Garissa County has captured national attention after rescuing and raising a cheetah cub for nearly two years, an act the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has described as both heartwarming and a reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation laws.
According to KWS, the woman found the cub stranded and decided to take it in, caring for it like a pet. She reportedly fed, bathed, and even leashed the young cheetah as one would a domestic cat.
KWS said they were informed of the incident through their Community and Wildlife Service Division. Officers later visited the homestead and safely collected the animal.
The cheetah was then handed over to KWS veterinary experts for a full medical examination on Thursday.
“The team confirmed the cheetah was in good health, collected laboratory samples, and administered treatment for parasite control,” KWS said in a statement.
The cheetah is now under the care of specialists at the Nairobi Safari Walk, where it is thriving as part of ongoing conservation and education efforts.
While commending the woman’s compassion, KWS reminded the public that keeping wild animals at home, even with good intentions, is illegal under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (WCMA).
The law is aimed to ensure wild animals remain in their natural habitats, where they can live freely and safely.
“KWS deeply appreciates the Good Samaritan’s kindness and reminds all Kenyans that true coexistence means protecting wildlife where they belong – in the wild,” the agency said.
