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Cheetah Outreach Promoting the survival of the free ranging, Southern African cheetah through environmental education and delivering conservation initiatives. |
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Savannah (2001 – 2009) |
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This is a personal tribute to a beautiful cheetah named Savannah who died on 4 November. It is impossible to write about Savannah without including her sister Zaza: they were inseparable. Her sudden passing marks the end of an era for those of us who have been at Cheetah Outreach for a long time. Savannah and her sister Zaza were the first cubs that came to us from the Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Centre (formerly De Wildt). For most of us, it was the first time we had ever raised cheetah cubs and nothing could surpass the thrill and excitement of bringing up those two cubs. Cheetah Outreach was much smaller back in 2001 and we spent hours with them in the straw in the front show enclosure and took them on long walks all over Spier Wine Estate. Oh, how we looked forward to those early morning walks every week! The girls went everywhere: the Spier Hotel, the farm stall, restaurants, the rose garden, around the lake. We took turns sleeping with them in a bed at night. We developed a deep bond with these girls that has lasted through the years. Most people don’t realize it but Zaza and Savannah were excellent ambassador cats. For over three years, they met the public in encounters at our facility. Savannah was a great function cat, going out to meet people at different venues all over Cape Town, and participated in films and photo shoots. Even after the girls decided they didn’t want to take part in encounters at the facility anymore, Savannah continued to travel around Cape Town for functions. Unlike her sister Zaza, who preferred the security of the facility, she loved the stimulation of venturing out into the world beyond Spier. After they retired from their ambassadorial duties, they continued to receive much love and attention from the people who had raised them. They weren’t too keen on meeting new people but wanted attention from the people they loved. They loved their weekly runs during summer and continued to be excellent runners long after the younger males had lost interest. For a few select, lucky people, Savannah gave her unconditional love and trust, a gift that we will cherish forever. I personally have lost my cheetah soul mate and am so grateful that such a magnificent animal allowed me so close. There will never be another cheetah like Savannah. We will all miss you running to the gate for a hug in the morning. It won’t be the same without you. We will love you always, Savannah. Debby |
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