Kenyan Family Adopts Orphaned Cheetah Cub, Faces Community Backlash

Sat Oct 25 2025 16:51:47 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A Kenyan family in Wajir County adopted a cheetah cub orphaned after its mother was found dead, raising concerns among neighbors while challenging local norms regarding wildlife conservation.

In a remarkable act of compassion, a Kenyan family has taken in a cheetah cub orphaned after its mother was found dead. They nurtured it for more than two years, forming a bond akin to that of family members. Despite facing criticism from their neighbors, who worried about the risk to local livestock, the family chose to raise the cub and have been commended by wildlife officials for their commitment to conservation. This story highlights the complex dynamics between wildlife protection and community livelihoods in Kenya.

A Kenyan family has shared their touching experience of adopting an orphaned cheetah cub. The cub was found lying next to its deceased mother in the northern Wajir County, and the family quickly appeared to bond with the animal. However, this unconventional act faced resistance from their neighbors, who voiced concerns about the dangers of raising a wild animal, particularly due to their reliance on livestock for livelihood.

Many people immediately told us to get rid of the cub so it wouldn't harm the livestock. We didn't do that because it seemed unreasonable, said family member Bisharo Abdirahman Omar, reflecting on the intense community pressure they faced. Their community's pastoralist lifestyle often places them at odds with local predators, leading to a complicated relationship with wildlife conservation.

Rashid Abdi Hussein, a father of ten, explained that while keeping the cub didn't provide any material benefit like livestock would, he believed it was essential to protect and raise the animal instead of succumbing to the violence that often befalls many wild creatures in the region.

For over two years, the family cared for the cub, initially feeding it milk with a syringe before transitioning to meat. Despite common fears regarding wildlife, the cub became a beloved member of their household. Mr. Hussein noted, The animal was troublesome at first, but in the end, it became tame and became one of the children.

The family has made significant sacrifices to nurture the cheetah, reportedly slaughtering 15 sheep to feed it. Their efforts have garnered praise from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), which typically sees wildlife being killed or trafficked in the area. However, KWS reiterated that keeping wild animals as pets is illegal and emphasized the importance of wildlife conservation practices.

Despite offers from individuals wanting to purchase the cub, which exceeded 20,000 Kenyan shillings, the family refused to part with the animal, stating that it had become part of their family. Wildlife experts highlight the growing dangers faced by cheetahs in northeast Kenya, identifying illegal smuggling as a significant threat.

As the cheetah now receives care at the Nairobi Safari Walk, the family’s journey underscores not only the complexities of human-wildlife interaction but also highlights broader conservation challenges in the region.