Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre Sanctuary:
Cheetah - The majestic and graceful Cheetah that has been immortalized for over 6000 years by priests, kings and emperors
History:
Located at Dewildt in the foothills of the Magaliesberg on a 54 hectare former farm, was officially opened on the 16th April 1971. At this time there were approximately 700 cheetahs in South Africa and there had been little or no success with breeding cheetahs in captivity where limited research had been conducted on engendered species. Ann van Dyk/Dewildt Cheetah Centre/Sanctuary primary aim was to create a captive breeding program for endangered species.
Focusing on conservation
The centre is a privately owned non-profit non-governmental organization. In 1986, the cheetah was removed from the South African Red Data Book for endangered species. This was largely due to the success of this breading program with 600 cubs being born since the centre's inception. Today, the efforts of the program are focused on conservation, not only with breeding, but also with conflict resolution between free roaming cheetahs preying on livestock on privately owned farms.
Ann van Dyk - Dewildt Cheetah Centre/Sanctuary Hartbeespoort Half Day Tour:
Daily Cheetah Sanctuary tours available - 7 days a week.
This is a guided tour in an open safari vehicle with experienced and qualified guides. By visiting the cheetah centre you will gain an understanding of the powerful abilities of the cheetah, their habits, nature as well as their struggle for survival in the wild. View the king cheetah, with its characteristic striped back, one of the rarest animals on earth. Also on the tour you will encounter the African Wild Dog - close up. The most endangered mammal in the world with no more than 5500 wild dogs in all of Africa.
The Cheetah run is not always available, as such is not included in price unless stated on your booking.
Struggle for survival in the wild
Most fearsome and effective hunter in the wild. Killing almost daily as a pack. The Wild Dog - "painted wolf" with colouring as unique as our finger prints. Tour will include - Cheetah - Rare King Cheetah African wild dog - Riverine Rabbit Brown hyena - Duiker - Vultures - Suni Antelope This is an educational adventure of wildlife preservation. Guests will encounter the endangered species at the Hartbeespoort centre at close quarters.
Breeding Program Hartbeespoort:
Apart from the significant breeding achievements with the cheetah, several other programs have been highly successful at the centre: The rare king cheetah: This was the first captive breed genetically identical cheetah with a special coat and pattern variation. African wild dog: successful breeding and natural habitat release of Southern Africa's most endangered carnivore - Wild Dog. Riverine Rabbit: this centre is a breeding nucleus of this highly endangered species, which are released into their natural habitat.
Unparalleled endangered breeding program anywhere in the world
Suni Antelope: breeding nucleus of this species, which are released into the Kruger National Park. Brown hyena, duiker and vultures: The De Wildt Cheetah Centre has also been at the forefront of breeding of these species with significant numbers being reintroduced into their natural habitat. This level of captive breeding success and the numbers of wild releases is unparalleled in any kind of endangered breeding program anywhere in the world.
Cheetah Fact Sheet:
Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) Shoulder height: 85cm Weight: 43kg-54kg - Speed: 80-100km/h Colouring: Sandy yellow coat with solid black spots. Habitat: open landscapes from dry savannas to desert regions Conservation status: cheetahs are listed as vulnerable to extinction with a decreasing wild population size.
A captive breeding program for endangered species.
Perfect tour options to include with the Ann van Dyk/De Wildt Cheetah Sanctuary to create a full day tour:
Rhino and Lion Reserve - Elephant Sanctuary - Lion Park - Cradle of Humankind
Ekala Eco Tours - Personalised attention to your needs. We look forward to hearing from you.
Please Contact Ekala Eco Tours - info@ekalatours.com - for - tour details - Personalised attention - Bookings
Ekala Eco Tours use qualified and registered guides - not drivers only.
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Apartheid Museum - Constitution Hill - Gold Reef City - De Wildt Cheetah Sanctuary - Pilanesberg National Park - Ekala Eco Tours
For further information on the Ann van Dyk/De Wildt Cheetah Sanctuary please Contact Ekala Eco Tours. We look forward to hearing from you - info@ekalatours.com