The first-ever n-born cheetah has been released into the wild with the touching moment of freedom captured on video.
Wild Cat Conservation Centre released Edie in the African Savannah last week, saying she has been destined for this moment her whole life.
Footage shows the majestic creature leaving her box and slowly moving across the grass at Mziki Private Game Reserve, near Johannesburg in South Africa.
Ben Britton and his wife Kahlia, who spent more than $100,000 for this momentous occasion, said it was a bittersweet milestone after months of planning.
The first-ever n-born cheetah has been released into the wild with the heartwarming moment of free captured on video
‘Anything can happen and we understand that, but to see her come out, knowing we’ve given her the best possible chance at the best possible life, we couldn’t be more proud,’ Mr Britton told The Daily Telegraph.
‘She had so much wild in her from the time she was born, it was the right thing to do.
‘The minute she stepped out of the crate she looked like she’d lived in Africa her whole life.’
The pair cares for more than 16 wild cats, including Edie’s parents Duke and Emmy.
They have more than 20 years experience working with ‘wild cats’ and established the conservation centre in the NSW Hawkesbury region in 2016 to better understand, and protect them.
The conservation centre shared a statement on social media following Edie’s release, which said the goal is now for additional cheetah to follow in her footsteps.
Wild Cat Conservation Centre released Edie into the wild last week, saying she has been destined for this moment her whole life
The conservation centre shared a statement on social media following Edie’s release, which said the goal is now for additional cheetah to follow in her footsteps
‘We are proud to announce that we have become the first organisation in to return a captive born cheetah back to the wilds of Africa,’ it said.
‘Our beautiful Edie has undergone a phased return to the wild, with plans carefully laid to ensure her success.
‘She began her preparations here at the Wild Cat Conservation Centre, undergoing fitness development, changes to her diet and support whilst she honed her predatory skills.
‘This phased rewilding allowed Edie to sharpen her wild instincts, improve her hunting skills to bring down predator-aware prey animals and develop her vigilance to co-exist with competing predators.’