Unleash Earth's Fastest Land Animal

The cheetah faces multiple threats to its survival. Habitat loss has reduced the cheetah's historic range by over 80%. Climate change has begun to affect reproduction. Human-wildlife conflict leads to killing cheetahs that, in desperation, prey on livestock.

But one of the most immediate threats may come as a surprise. Due to their beauty and swiftness, the cheetah has become a coveted pet for wealthy people who choose to flaunt it as a status symbol.

These cats are brutally captured – often as cubs – and transported in abysmal conditions to places where they are auctioned off to the highest bidder. Then they face an unnatural existence in cages and chains and are frequently abandoned when they become adults – a virtual death warrant.

The United Arab Emirates – a country where the cheetah has been highly sought after – has stepped up to ban the purchase and ownership of big cats. But other countries must take action too. Due to the dwindling size of cheetah subpopulations, even a low level of illegal trade can threaten wild populations.

Urge countries worldwide to ban the trade in cheetahs.

Add your name to our pledge and ask a friend to do the same!

A cheetah doesn't belong on a leash

Cheetahs are coveted as exotic pets... This endangered big cat shouldn't be used as a status symbol. The United Arab Emirates recently passed a law banning the private ownership of cheetahs. Add your name to urge other countries to step up and take action.

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