KWS seizes cheetah raised by Garissa woman
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has successfully rescued a young cheetah from a woman in Garissa County who had unknowingly been keeping it as a pet for nearly two years. The woman reportedly found the cub abandoned and frail in the bush and, out of compassion, decided to take it home and raise it.
According to KWS, she treated the wild animal with remarkable care—feeding it regularly, bathing it, and even putting it on a leash as though it were a domestic cat. Residents in the area say the woman was deeply attached to the cheetah and often referred to it as her “child.” It was through community reports that wildlife officers eventually learned of her unusual companion.
Upon investigation, KWS officers visited the homestead and confirmed that the animal was indeed a cheetah, a protected species under Kenyan law. Although the woman’s intentions were kind, the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (WCMA) strictly prohibits the keeping of wild animals without authorization. The law aims to ensure that wildlife remains in its natural habitat, where it can thrive and contribute to the ecosystem.
The officers safely tranquilized and transferred the cheetah to their veterinary team, which carried out a thorough medical examination. Samples were collected for laboratory testing, and the animal was treated for parasites and other potential health concerns.
In a statement, KWS said the cheetah is now under professional care at the Nairobi Safari Walk, where it will be rehabilitated and integrated into the service’s conservation and education programs. “The cheetah is doing well and adapting to its new environment under expert supervision,” KWS confirmed.
The organization commended the woman for her compassion and cooperation, noting that genuine coexistence with wildlife means protecting animals in their natural spaces rather than domestic settings. KWS further appealed to the public to report any similar cases promptly, reminding Kenyans that safeguarding wildlife is a shared national responsibility.
KWS seizes cheetah raised by Garissa woman
