Wild Wonders hosts fundraiser for cheetah conservation

BONSALL – More than 30 people gathered at Wild Wonders, July 21, for a great time and a great cause.

Over the course of two hours, attendees exercised their artistic skills by painting a portrait of a cheetah, guided by the team from Wine and Canvas San Diego. A portion of the proceeds from this event went to Cheetah Outreach in South Africa, a partner with Wild Wonders in the area of cheetah conservation.

For more than 20 years, Cheetah Outreach has worked to promote the survival of cheetahs through education and conservation initiatives. One of their most successful programs helps reduce livestock loss to cheetah by giving farmers specially trained Anatolian shepherd dogs which guard the sheep and goats. The program has reduced livestock loss by 95 percent and saved the lives of countless cheetahs that would have been hunted by farmers for killing their animals.

Making his first public appearance was Hasani, Wild Wonders' newest cheetah. Hasani is eight months old and is still working on his leash training skills. He came to Wild Wonders two months ago from another educational facility where he had been raised specifically to be an animal ambassador.

Once finished with his training, he will raise funds for biologists on the front lines in the battle to save cheetahs from extinction. He will also be making appearances very soon at Wild Wonders' "Cheetah Chats."

The Wild Wonders refuge in Bonsall is where children and adults can "tame" their curiosity for "wildlife." Through live interactive programs and tours, the wildlife educators and 120 animal-ambassadors take guests on a dynamic adventure. Their goal is to excite the public and foster a desire to preserve and learn about wildlife and the important role they play in caring for the planet.