Garissa woman raises cheetah like house cat for 2 years
A woman in Kursi Village, Garissa County, shocked wildlife officers after it emerged that she had been living with a cheetah in her home for nearly two years, treating it like a pet cat.
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According to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), in a post on X on Thursday, October 23, 2025, the woman had rescued the cheetah cub after finding it stranded and decided to raise it herself. KWS said the woman fed, bathed, and even leashed the cheetah like a domestic animal.
“Through our Community and Wildlife Service Division, we learned of this extraordinary act of kindness,” KWS said in a statement. “However, while her intentions were noble, keeping wildlife—even out of love—is against the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (WCMA), which protects wild animals and ensures their wellbeing in their natural habitats.”
The wildlife agency said its officers safely took in the cheetah and handed it over to their veterinary team for a full medical check-up. The animal was found to be in good health, and samples were collected for laboratory testing. The team also administered treatment for parasite control.
Thriving at Nairobi Safari Walk
KWS confirmed that the cheetah is now under expert care at the Nairobi Safari Walk, where it continues to thrive as part of ongoing conservation and education programmes.
“We deeply appreciate the Good Samaritan’s compassion and remind all Kenyans that true coexistence means protecting wildlife where they belong—in the wild,” the statement added.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano praised the woman for her compassion but reminded the public that keeping wild animals as pets is unlawful and dangerous.
“We celebrate the compassion of the Garissa kind-hearted heroine who rescued a lost cheetah cub and kept it safe for nearly two years. That level of compassion is what makes Kenya special. You saved a life!” Miano said.
She continued, “Even out of love, keeping a wild animal as a pet is against our laws. Wild instincts always return, and these magnificent creatures belong in their natural habitat. Your kindness is vital, but professional intervention is mandatory—we must protect our citizens and ensure the best chance of survival for our national heritage.”
Miano also commended KWS officers for their swift action, saying the cheetah’s rescue highlights the importance of managing the human-wildlife interface responsibly.
“Let’s ensure both people and wildlife stay safe and be responsible stewards of our natural heritage together,” she said.
