45 days have passed since our two young, beautiful, female cheetahs have made the move to Madikwe. Since then, they are in a protected boma, where they spent the Christmas holidays. A status update on this exciting project.
After a long journey crossing South Africa and arriving in a completely new environment, the two female cheetahs are still in the process of adaptation, for the soon release into Madikwe Reserve. While they spent a lot of time in their square boma, we ask the question if the process of adaptation is going according to plan.
"The habituation is progressing quite slowly, but there is definite positive progress," says Carlie Esterhuizen (Field Ecologist in Madikwe) who since beginning has a leading function of this demanding project. "When I initially started with the feeding, the females were extremely skittish and I could hardly get visual." Rhulani’s manager Chris Altenkirk made similar experiences when he approached the boma fence with our guests on a game drive: “They immediately scurried into another corner of the boma, making it very difficult to even take a photo of them.”
Both females responded to the carcass and allowed me to sit with them whilst they fed at a distance of 20 meters.Carlien Esterhuizen, Field Ecologist
However now there is some positive progress: "Yesterday afternoon when I went to feed the cheetahs, both females responded to the carcass and allowed me to sit with them whilst they fed at a distance of 20 meters," said Carlien about this success. "I am convinced that by the end of January we will have these females as habituated as the four male brothers." Carlien refers to the male cheetahs that were introduced into Madikwe through a similar process about 2 years ago who settled in perfectly.
Carlien says: “A big congratulations to all once again. We have at long last managed to raise enough funds to buy the satellite collars for the four cats, so the collars will be built in January.” Thus, we start the New Year with a cautious optimism and at Rhulani we look forward to participating soon in the exciting activities of collaring and releasing.
Stay connected with us and read about further updates on the project #rhulanicheetah.
Related articles
Rhulani Minute Safari - Running rhino
| Rhulani Safari LodgeWhite rhinos are surprisingly fast and agile for their massive size. When white rhinos run, they use a galloping motion similar to that of horses — all four feet leave the ground briefly at once durin...Life of a Ranger: The many muscles of the elephant’s trunk
| Rhulani Safari LodgeDid you know that an elephant’s trunk contains over 40,000 muscles, organized into longitudinal and radial groups that allow for remarkable flexibility and precision? Rhulani’s ranger Willem tells us ...Rhulani Minute Safari - The shiny fur of the springbok
| Rhulani Safari LodgeSpringboks have very fine, smooth hairs with a natural gloss. Each hair shaft has a keratin surface that reflects light efficiently, especially when the sun is low and warm in color (like in the after...Rhulani bush stories: Hyenas taking a bath
| Rhulani Safari LodgeLet's hear today's story from our ranger Willem, who encountered spotted hyenas very close to the lodge at Inkwe pan. They met in the middle of the pond and then enjoyed themselves in the water....Rhulani bush stories: Little ninjas
| Rhulani Safari LodgeIt's often the little things that fascinate you on a safari. Rhulani's ranger Willem encountered these two small, adorable ground squirrels performing a captivating dance or fight on the ground, just ...A brighter future ... protected
| Rhulani Safari LodgeAt Rhulani Safari Lodge, we are pleased to share a positive update on our recent community fundraising initiative for Supingstad Primary School. Following the successful installation of a new generato...
