Cheetah Nkanyiso and her cubs return to the wild at Nyosi Wildlife Reserve.

On image: Nkanyiso & cubs feasting after their release.

NELSON MANDELA BAY, SOUTH AFRICA (8 May 2025) - In a major conservation milestone, the Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa has announced the successful release of Nkanyiso, a once-captive cheetah, and her four cubs into the wild at Nyosi Wildlife Reserve.

Nkanyiso arrived at Nyosi in 2023 as part of a collaborative rewilding initiative between the Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa, The Metapopulation Initiative, and Nyosi Wildlife Reserve. After years in captivity, she embarked on a structured rewilding process - learning to hunt, roam, and survive without human support.

In April 2024, Nkanyiso sustained a serious leg injury. During her treatment, conservationists discovered she had recently given birth. Thanks to the efforts of field guides and veterinary staff, all four cubs were located and reunited with her during her recovery.

Now fully healed, Nkanyiso has been released back into the wild - this time alongside her cubs. The young cheetahs have been named Zuko (success), Khukhula (storm), Zola (calm), and Amira (princess).

“Nkanyiso’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the incredible possibilities of rewilding,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of Global Humane Society. “Her release is a victory for cheetah conservation and for those fighting to protect vulnerable species.”

Global Humane Society group photo.

GPS collars will monitor the family’s movement and health as they adjust to their natural habitat - an essential step in building a stable cheetah population in the Eastern Cape.

“This release shows the power of collaboration in long-term conservation,” said Taryn Gillson, Regional Director for Africa at Global Humane Society. “Nkanyiso’s journey from captivity to motherhood in the wild is what every conservationist hopes to witness.”

This rewilding success was made possible by a strong partnership between:

• Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa, an initiative of the Global Humane Society focused on wildlife protection across Africa.

• Nyosi Wildlife Reserve, a unique peri-urban game reserve near Nelson Mandela Bay.

• The Metapopulation Initiative, which supports cheetah population sustainability across reserves.

• And Mantis, a conservation-driven hotel group within the Accor family, which provided critical funding support through its ALL – Accor Live Limitless program.