- A woman in Kursi Village, Garissa County, cared for a stranded cheetah cub for nearly two years.
- Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) praised her compassion but reminded Kenyans that keeping wild animals is illegal.
- The cheetah was rescued, treated, and transferred to the Nairobi Safari Walk.
- KWS urged citizens to report stranded or injured animals instead of domesticating them.
A touching story has surfaced from Kursi Village in Garissa County, where a kind-hearted woman rescued a stranded cheetah cub and raised it as her own for almost two years.
According to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the woman found the cub alone and helpless and decided to care for it out of pure compassion. She fed, bathed, and even leashed the wild animal 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 in a statement.
Although her actions stemmed from kindness, KWS clarified that keeping wild animals is illegal, regardless of intent.
“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 well-being in their natural habitats,” the agency stated.
After learning about the case, KWS officers in Garissa swiftly intervened to ensure the cheetah’s safety. The animal was taken to KWS veterinary experts, who conducted a full health assessment.
“The cheetah was safely taken in by KWS officers and handed over to our veterinary team, who carried out health checks, collected samples for testing, and administered treatment for parasite control,” KWS added.
The cheetah was later transferred to the Nairobi Safari Walk, where it continues to thrive under expert care as part of KWS’s rehabilitation and education programs.
KWS praised the woman’s empathy but emphasised the importance of following wildlife laws.
“We deeply appreciate the Good Samaritan’s compassion and remind all Kenyans that true coexistence means protecting wildlife where they belong in the wild,” the agency said.
The case now serves as a valuable lesson on balancing compassion with conservation responsibility.
KWS reaffirmed its mission to protect wildlife and foster peaceful coexistence between people and animals. The agency highlighted its dedication to science-based conservation, community engagement, and staff inclusivity across culture, gender, and ability.
By strengthening collaboration with communities, KWS aims to preserve Kenya’s rich biodiversity for future generations, ensuring that love for nature translates into responsible action and sustainable protection.
