cheetah - The majestic and graceful Cheetah that has been immortalized for over 6000 years by priests, kings and emperors
History:
the De Wildt Cheetah Centre:
Located in the foothills of the Magaliesburg on a 54 hectare former farm, was officially opened on the 16th April 1971. At this time there were approximately 700 cheetahs in South Africa and there had been little or no success with breeding cheetahs in captivity where limited research had been conducted on engendered species.
The Sanctuary's primary aim was to create a captive breeding program for endangered species. The centre is a privately owned non-profit non-governmental organization. In 1986, the cheetah was removed from the South African Red Data Book for endangered species. This was largely due to the success of this breading program with 600 cubs being born since the centre's inception. Today, the efforts of the program are focused on conservation, not only with breeding, but also with conflict resolution between free roaming cheetahs preying on livestock on privately owned farms.
The De Wildt Cheetah Centre Half Day Tour: 
This is a guided tour in an open safari vehicle with experienced and qualified guides. By visiting the cheetah centre you will gain an understanding of the powerful abilities of the cheetah, their habits, nature as well as their struggle for survival in the wild. View the king cheetah, with its characteristic striped back, one of the rarest animals on earth.
Also on the tour you will encounter the African Wild Dog - close up. The most endangered mammal in the world with no more than 5500 wild dogs in all of Africa. Most fearsome and effective hunter in the wild. Killing almost daily as a pack. The Wild Dog - "painted wolf" with colouring as unique as our finger prints.
This is an educational adventure of wildlife preservation. Guests will encounter the endangered species at the centre at close quarters.
Breeding Program:
Apart from the significant breeding achievements with the cheetah, several other programs have been highly successful at the centre:
The rare king cheetah: This was the first captive breed genetically identical cheetah with a special coat and pattern variation.
African wild dog: successful breeding and natural habitat release of Southern Africa's most endangered carnivore.
Riverine Rabbit: this centre is a breeding nucleus of this highly endangered species, which are released into their natural habitat.
Suni Antelope: breeding nucleus of this species, which are released into the Kruger National Park.
Brown hyena, duiker and vultures: The De Wildt Cheetah Centre has also been at the forefront of breeding of these species with significant numbers being reintroduced into their natural habitat.
This level of captive breeding success and the numbers of wild releases is unparalleled in any kind of endangered breeding program anywhere in the world.
Fact Sheet:
Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
Shoulder height: 85cm
Weight: 43kg-54kg - Speed: 80-100km/h
Colouring: Sandy yellow coat with solid black spots.
Habitat: open landscapes from dry savannas to desert regions
Conservation status: cheetahs are listed as vulnerable to extinction with a decreasing wild population size.
Perfect tour options to include with the De Wildt Cheetah Sanctuary to create a full day tour:
Rhino and Lion Reserve or Elephant Sanctuary or Lion Park or Cradle of Humankind
For Tour details or bookings - please Contact us
Soweto Tour - Johannesburg Tour - Apartheid Museum - Constitution Hill - Gold Reef City - Lion Park
De Wildt Cheetah Sanctuary - Elephant Sanctuary interaction - Pretoria Tour - Pilanesberg National Park
Sun City and the Lost City - Cullinan Diamond Mine - Rhino and Lion Park - The Origins Centre
Adventure Sports - Nile Crocodile Farm - The Lesedi Cultural Village - Cradle of Humankind
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