Frontier Eye Desk
Wajir, Kenya.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has rescued a young cheetah that had been lovingly raised as a pet by a woman in Kursi Village, Wajir County, in what officials described as a “heartwarming yet humbling” story of compassion and misunderstanding.
According to KWS, the woman discovered the stranded cub nearly two years ago and decided to care for it, feeding, bathing, and even leashing it like a domestic cat. Her actions, though well-intentioned, inadvertently contravened the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (WCMA), which prohibits the keeping of wild animals in private homes.
Through its Community and Wildlife Service Division, KWS learned of the rare case and promptly intervened to ensure the animal’s safety and proper rehabilitation.
The cheetah was handed over to the agency’s veterinary team, which conducted a full health assessment, collected samples for laboratory testing, and administered parasite treatment.
“The cheetah was in good condition and has since been transferred to the Nairobi Safari Walk, where it will continue to thrive under expert care as part of our conservation and education programs,” KWS said in a statement.
The agency commended the woman for her compassion, describing her actions as a reminder of the deep bond between communities and wildlife. However, it emphasized that true coexistence means allowing wild animals to remain in their natural habitats, where they can live freely and contribute to ecological balance.
“We deeply appreciate the Good Samaritan’s kindness and remind all Kenyans that protecting wildlife where they belong — in the wild — is the truest form of love and conservation,” the statement added.
KWS reiterated its commitment to community engagement and education to prevent similar cases, noting that the public’s cooperation is vital in safeguarding Kenya’s rich biodiversity.