International Cheetah Day

International Cheetah Day is observed worldwide on December 4 each year. It’s a day to celebrate the beauty and grace of these incredible animals and to raise awareness of their endangered status.

History

International Cheetah Day was established in 2010 to highlight cheetah conservation efforts. In 1977, American zoologist Dr. Laurie L. Marker began pioneering work to reintroduce big cats to the wild. Realizing the threats cheetahs faced in Namibia—from habitat loss to conflict with farmers—she founded the Cheetah Conservation Fund in 1992. Since then, her organization has led research, education, and community programs that have become models for wildlife conservation worldwide.

Interesting Facts

• The fastest land animal, a cheetah named Sarah set a 100 m record of 5 seconds.
• Dark “tear marks” under their eyes help reduce glare and improve focus on prey.
• Cheetahs avoid daytime heat by hunting at night or on cloudy days.
• Unlike other big cats, cheetahs purr and meow but cannot roar.
• A sprinting cheetah spends up to 50 percent of its stride airborne.
• They can go several days without drinking, obtaining moisture from their prey.

How to Take Part

• Support Dr. Marker’s work by donating to the Cheetah Conservation Fund.
• Volunteer with wildlife organizations or local zoos that back cheetah programs.
• Learn and share information about cheetah conservation on social media.
• If possible, experience a guided safari in Africa to see cheetahs in their natural habitat.

When is International Cheetah Day in 2025?

International Cheetah Day is observed on December 4 each year.

Observations