About Africat

Africat was founded in 1991 by the Hanssen family, who continue to run it today. A full history and more information about the foundation can be found on their website, www.africat.org (under 'Other Sites').

Their main focus is the conservation of big cats, especially cheetah and leopard. They are also enthusiastically running a project to educate people about conservation, in order that the carnivores they protect, and the rest of their habitat, may remain intact in the long term.

Since its conception, over a thousand cats have been 'rescued and released'. If a farmer has problems with big cats on their land, they may put out a trap for the cheetah or leopard. Instead of shooting the cat, the farmer can call Africat, who will come and pick them up. If the cat is healthy and independent, it can be released straight back onto another farm or plot of land, the owner of which is happy to have it there. However, if it is injured, ill or even a young cub that has been orphaned, Africat will care for it on their own land, and rehabilitate it into the wild where possible.

Rehabilitation is achieved by releasing the cat into Okonjima's large 20,000ha reserve, with a radio collar attached. It is then tracked daily by team members who will check that it is hunting capably - and receives veterinary treatment if it comes to any harm. If they haven't eaten for a long time, they will also be fed a little.
(Rehabilitation is the area I was involved in when I was at Africat for three weeks in July 2010, so this is the area of the Africat operation I know the most about)
If it is not possible to rehabilitate a cat, perhaps because it is too old, it will be cared for in a large enclosure for the remainder of its life.

Overall, 85% of rescued cats have been released.

Having not visited since February 2011, I'm not as up to speed on the education program- so I will write with more information about that when I travel out next year. I do know that the program involves telling people about cheetah, leopard and other animals and plants within the ecosystem, explaining the need and the means for their conservation, and equipping those who live alongside these animals with methods that help to keep an harmonious relationship between humans and the big carnivores which share their land.