Chasing Survival

Cheetahs are on the brink of extinction — and the question I keep asking is who will speak for them?  

As a Guide in the Mara Triangle, the Mara-Meru Cheetah Project asked me to name three young males. They always invite local rangers and Guides to name cheetahs in their areas, and I was glad to be part of that. When we give them names, we create a connection. It sparks awareness and compassion — to the world. They become individuals worth protecting, not just to us, but also to the guests who meet them.

As Guides, we know them as individuals. One male is named Osiligi, which means ‘hope’ in Maa. We gave him the name to remind us that hope for cheetahs and their environment is still alive.

Oldanyet, the coalition’s most successful hunter, was named for his strength — Oldanyet means 'breakthrough.' Olopono was named for the distinctive notch in his ear — a battle scar that sets him apart.

Siligi’s sons have taken over a large area in the Mara Triangle and along the border of the Serengeti. The three brothers work as a team — taking turns to watch, hunt, and feed, while defending their territory. When the prey is small, they eat one at a time to avoid fighting and attracting other predators.

Watching them hunt is something special. Ambushing is not so common with cheetahs, but these three are really organised. Oldanyet usually brings the prey down, making the way they hunt an important factor for them to be together, because they might not be as successful as individuals. Together, they hunt Thomson’s gazelles, impala, and even Topi.  

Cheetahs face many challenges here in the Mara. Cubs have a very low survival rate — between 64% and 76% die depending on the year. Predators like lions and hyenas often kill them, especially when their mothers leave to hunt. These brothers are lucky to have made it this far. 

There are only about 60 adult cheetahs in the Mara ecosystem, so every one matters. The Mara Meru Cheetah Project, led by Dr. Elena Chelysheva, PhD, works hard to protect cheetahs through scientific research and education. I once noticed mange on one of Siligi’s sons and alerted the rangers of the Cheetah Project. They responded quickly, and with veterinary intervention, they recovered.

Cheetahs don’t usually come into conflict with people. They won’t attack humans, and if they do kill livestock, it’s only one — just what they need. They deserve our understanding and protection.

Since 1990, 93% of the wild cheetah population has been lost. To live in harmony with wildlife, we must protect it. I speak for cheetahs because they cannot speak for themselves — and I hope others will join me in that mission.

Since 1990, 90% of the cheetah's habitat has also disappeared. Dr. Elena shares that the Mara Meru Cheetah Project monitors cheetahs year-round across the Mara ecosystem, including Siligi and her offspring. We share updates with rangers, Guides, support bloggers and cheetah enthusiasts to ensure accurate information. I’ve known Derrick for years as a knowledgeable and passionate Guide. It has been a great pleasure to work with him.  We always ask rangers and guides to name new (young) cheetahs of the area of their operation, and I was happy that Derrick agreed to name three males and did an amazing job.