Parque Nacional da Gorongosa Moçambique

Cheetahs Return to Gorongosa National Park

Jul 9, 2011 - Gorongosa National Park

Our newest guests arrived in Gorongosa National Park (GNP) from neighboring South Africa. South Africa is one of the main locations contributing wildlife to Gorongosa in an effort to strengthen our rapidly growing animal population.

It must be remembered that GNP has previously received buffalos, wildebeest, elephants and hippos, all relocated from  conservation areas in South Africa or from  Limpopo National Park. 


After a long period of negotiations between the authorities in GNP and the NGO "Modgaji Conservation and Rehabilitation Project,” (an organization which works closely with the government of Cape Town, South Africa,) Carlos Lopes Pereira (Director of Conservation and GNP Veterinary) took over management of the relocation process.  The addition of the four big cats will make the savannah plains of Gorongosa a place to gain true insight to the fastest animals in the jungle.


The relocation operation became a reality with the arrival of four cheetahs by air. This was a unique opportunity for GNP staff (as well as to many tourists present on the runway of Chitengo Safari Camp) to observe how carefully and diligently a team of wildlife lovers moved the cheetahs. The animals, while still tranquilized were moved from the plane to GNP jeeps, which quickly carried them to a quarantine location (known as the boma). The boma is a specially built enclosure which has been adapted for cheetahs by a dedicated team of workers from GNP).


"As soon as we return to South Africa, we will make further efforts to bring more cheetahs to Gorongosa National Park. These four cheetahs are the first group, which has only opened the door to many more cheetahs in Gorongosa ..." assured Will Van Duyn. His institution promises to bring more of these remarkable animals to the Gorongosa National Park.

This operation was made possible by the good will of many people. They included a pilot from the famous "Bateleurs" (pilots who serve the cause of environmental conservation for free), a veterinarian and two assistants (all from South Africa) who accompanied the cheetahs throughout the trip.

The expenses were borne by a philanthropist, Allan Friedland, who told us the following:

"I walked by many conservation areas in South Africa and I did not like what I saw. Animals are treated like a tool or a bicycle, discarded when there is a malfunction. I believe that all animals deserve respect and to be treated well. They deserve a life in the wild, not to be trapped. It has always pained me to see animals exploited. When I heard that Will intended to return some animals to the freedom of the jungle, I decided to contribute to this worthy cause through a financial donation. "


Once installed in their quarantine location, it was discovered that one of the cheetahs did not survive the complex transport operation. This tragic loss was due to an incident during the immobilization of the animal while still on South African soil.

Will Van Duyn, confirmed the death and said:

"Doing what we do, give freedom to the animals where it is necessary, carries risks. So, I say that our operation was a success because we have three cheetahs alive. It broke my heart to lose the fourth cheetah in the operation, but if we were no longer able to return these cheetahs to the wild it would be even worse. Either way, this operation has opened a large area and more cheetahs will be relocated to Gorongosa."



To everyone who contributed in making this operation a success…our sincere thank you!

Domingos Muala
GNP Communications Department