In a remarkable story that has captured the hearts of many, a compassionate woman from Kursi Village in Garissa County rescued a stranded cheetah cub and lovingly cared for it as her own for nearly two years before it was safely handed over to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
According to KWS, the woman found the cub abandoned and decided to nurture it, feeding, bathing, and even leashing it like a pet cat.
Her extraordinary act of kindness, though well-intentioned, came to the attention of wildlife officers through the Community & Wildlife Service Division, who intervened to ensure the animal’s proper care and welfare in accordance with conservation laws.
“While her compassion is deeply appreciated, keeping wildlife, even out of love, is against the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (WCMA),” KWS said in a statement.
“The law exists to protect wild animals and ensure their well-being in their natural habitats.”
KWS officers safely retrieved the cheetah and transferred it to their veterinary team, who conducted a comprehensive health check, collected laboratory samples, and administered treatment for parasite control.
The cub was later moved to the Nairobi Safari Walk, where it continues to thrive under expert care.
Officials said the young cheetah will now play a vital role in education and conservation awareness, helping Kenyans understand the importance of protecting wildlife in their natural environments.
KWS commended the woman’s compassion, describing her as a “Good Samaritan with a big heart,” and used the moment to remind the public of the importance of reporting such cases to wildlife authorities for professional handling.
“True coexistence means safeguarding wildlife where they belong, in the wild,” the statement concluded.