GARISSA– In the quiet village of Kursi, Garissa County, an extraordinary story of compassion recently unfolded when a kind-hearted woman rescued a stranded cheetah cub and lovingly cared for it as her own for nearly two years.
Moved by empathy, the woman fed, bathed, and even leashed the wild cub much like a domestic pet, unaware that such an act, though well-intentioned, contravenes Kenya’s Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (WCMA), which safeguards wild animals and their natural habitats.
Upon learning of the incident through its Community & Wildlife Service Division, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)promptly intervened. Officers from the Service safely retrieved the cheetah and handed it over to the KWS veterinary team for thorough examination.
The team conducted a comprehensive health check, collected biological samples for laboratory testing, and administered treatment for internal and external parasites.
Fortunately, the cheetah was found to be in good health and is now under professional care at the Nairobi Safari Walk, where it continues to thrive as part of ongoing conservation and wildlife education initiatives.
In Kursi Village, Garissa County, a compassionate woman once rescued a stranded cheetah cub and lovingly raised it as her own for nearly two years – feeding, bathing, and even leashing it like a pet cat.
Through our Community & Wildlife Service Division, we learned of this… pic.twitter.com/R3CiGC19UH
— Frontier Online (@FrontierOnlineK) October 23, 2025
KWS commended the woman’s compassion and acknowledged her good intentions, while reminding Kenyans that true coexistence with wildlife means allowing animals to live freely in their natural ecosystems.
“We deeply appreciate this act of kindness, but we must emphasize that wild animals belong in the wild,” said a KWS representative. “By respecting these boundaries, we help protect both people and wildlife.”
The heartwarming story serves as a reminder of Kenya’s enduring human-wildlife bond — one built not on possession, but on protection, respect, and coexistence.
