Cheetah Sasha: a story of resilience
Sasha overcame great adversity to eventually find a safe, forever home
The rescue story of Cheetah Sasha, the only resident cheetah at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, is one of resilience in the face of great adversity.
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The Beginning
Sasha's story begins in August 2011 when a farmer found him close to the Botswana border, after the farmer noticed a sheep carcass with cheetah spoor close by. It was suspected that his mother was killed in the area, and he was left alone trying to fend for himself.
The Endangered Wildlife Trust
After being treated by a vet, The Endangered Wildlife Trust, which runs a cheetah rewilding programme, was contacted and one-year-old Sasha began the process of trying to bond with other male cheetahs. Unfortunately, this failed.
After an adaption period Sasha was released in February 2013 into a private game reserve and slowly started to hunt.
In September 2013, just before his move to a new reserve, he was almost fatally injured by a wildebeest. With his left hind leg shattered he had to undergo intensive medical treatment. Unfortunately, amputation was the only way that he would be able to live without constant pain.
A Helping Hand
In October 2014, Sasha arrived at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary. Due to his amputation, The Endangered Wildlife Trust asked LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary to give him a permanent home, as he needed a safe place to spend the rest of his life.
