The center utilizes the Anatolian Shepherd Dog program to protect livestock, which directly reduces the incentive for farmers to shoot or trap cheetahs.
The facility occupies a portion of a former dynamite factory site, featuring industrial heritage architecture mixed with natural wetlands.
Ambassador cheetahs are trained to remain calm during public interactions to provide educational opportunities without causing animal distress.
The project focuses on behavioral enrichment to ensure the animals in care remain mentally and physically stimulated.
The organization tracks the effectiveness of its livestock guardian dogs in reducing cheetah mortality rates across South African farms.
The site hosts a diverse array of other indigenous predators, including black-backed jackals and African wild cats, for educational purposes.
Cheetah Outreach is a conservation facility in Somerset West dedicated to the survival of the free-ranging cheetah through education and community-based programs. The center serves as a permanent home for non-releasable ambassador cheetahs that participate in public awareness initiatives. It utilizes livestock guarding dogs, specifically Anatolian Shepherds, to reduce human-wildlife conflict by protecting farmers' herds from cheetah predation. Visitors can view various feline species including cheetahs, caracals, and servals in specialized enclosures designed for animal welfare. The facility is situated within the historic Paardevlei precinct, a site formerly used by the De Beers explosives factory. Conservation efforts are supported by public encounters that emphasize the ecological importance of big cats in South African ecosystems. Education programs provide insights into the biology, social structure, and extinction threats faced by cheetahs in the wild. The center maintains an active role in global conservation research and community outreach initiatives.
The designated viewing areas along the main perimeter fence provide the best clear lines of sight into the primary cheetah enclosures.
Book animal encounters well in advance as these sessions are strictly limited to ensure animal welfare.
Bring binoculars for better views of the cats within the larger enclosures.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes as the terrain around the enclosures is primarily gravel and earth.
Do not attempt to feed the animals or make loud noises near the enclosures, as this causes significant stress to the predators.
Open daily, including weekends and public holidays; check for temporary closures during extreme weather events.
Strict silence is required near enclosures; never touch animals unless instructed and supervised by a handler.
