On October 2, 2025, the fate of eleven cheetah cubs took a dramatic turn off the coast of Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, when local authorities intercepted a small dhow near Berbera. Inside, the cubs were packed tightly in bags that looked alarmingly like sacks of potatoes—a stark image that encapsulates the harsh realities of the illegal wildlife trade in the Horn of Africa.
The rescue was described by a leading conservationist as "one of the largest confiscations of the species," according to The Associated Press. But the story, as reported by multiple sources including AP and the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), is not just about numbers; it’s about the lives of these vulnerable animals and the broader struggle to save a species teetering on the brink.
The operation unfolded swiftly. Acting on intelligence, the local coast guard intercepted the smugglers’ vessel, arresting two Somaliland locals and three Yemeni nationals who were allegedly involved in trafficking the cubs. The cheetahs, barely clinging to life, were immediately transferred to a rescue center managed by the Cheetah Conservation Fund—a group at the forefront of efforts to combat the illegal trade of these majestic animals.
Laurie Marker, founder of CCF, painted a grim picture of the cubs’ condition. "The cubs were in very poor condition," she told reporters. "One died only a few hours after arriving at CCF’s centre, although in ICU and critical care administered. Another died the next day under same conditions. Two others are in critical care, one of which is in very bad state. The other seven are responding." The trauma these cubs endured during transit, combined with severe malnutrition, left them dangerously weak. Marker explained that the survivors were being reintroduced to food slowly, starting with fluids, as their bodies adjusted to the sudden change from deprivation to care.
This dramatic rescue highlights the ongoing crisis facing cheetahs in the region. Somaliland, despite its lack of international recognition as an independent state, has become a significant hub for the illegal wildlife trade. Hundreds of cheetahs and leopards have reportedly been smuggled from the Horn of Africa to Gulf countries, where demand for exotic pets continues to rise. According to AP, conservationists warn that this trend is not only decimating wild populations but also destabilizing local ecosystems.
Possession of wildlife is illegal in Somaliland, and authorities have made efforts to crack down on traffickers. In August 2025, just weeks before the latest rescue, local police arrested two people and recovered another ten cheetah cubs that were also destined for the lucrative Gulf pet market. These repeated incidents paint a picture of a relentless trade that shows little sign of abating, despite law enforcement efforts.
Marker, whose organization now cares for 128 rescued cheetahs, didn’t mince words about the stakes. "Cheetahs are not pets. They are wild animals, top predators and play an important role in the ecosystem," she emphasized. "Wildlife belongs in the wild. Please help us stop the illegal wildlife pet trade in cheetahs and other wildlife species being illegally traded around the world." Her plea is echoed by conservationists throughout the region, who have raised alarms about the impact of the exotic pet trade on both animal welfare and biodiversity.
The numbers are sobering. Marker noted that there are fewer than 7,000 cheetahs left in the wild. "With fewer than 7,000 cheetahs left in the wild, we can’t afford to lose a single one to the illegal pet trade," she said. The loss of even a handful of individuals can have ripple effects, especially for a species that is already classified as vulnerable and whose numbers are declining due to habitat loss, human conflict, and now, relentless poaching for the pet trade.
What drives this trade? Conservationists point to the rising demand for exotic pets in wealthy Gulf countries, where cheetahs and other wild animals are sometimes seen as status symbols. This demand has created a lucrative market for smugglers, who exploit porous borders and limited enforcement capacity in countries like Somalia and Somaliland. The Gulf of Aden, with its busy shipping lanes and fragmented jurisdictional oversight, has become a major transit route for trafficked wildlife.
But the consequences are not limited to the cheetahs themselves. The removal of top predators from their natural habitats can disrupt entire ecosystems, leading to overpopulation of prey species and a cascade of ecological imbalances. As Marker and other conservationists argue, the fight to save cheetahs is about more than saving a single species—it’s about preserving the delicate balance of nature in a region already beset by environmental and political challenges.
Law enforcement in Somaliland has stepped up efforts to combat the trade, but challenges remain. The region’s lack of international recognition complicates cooperation with neighboring countries and global agencies. Despite these hurdles, police regularly crack down on suspected traders, as evidenced by the recent arrests and rescues. Still, as long as demand persists and profits remain high, traffickers are likely to find new ways to exploit legal and logistical loopholes.
For the eleven cubs rescued in October, the future is uncertain. While seven are reportedly responding to treatment, two remain in critical care, and two others have already succumbed to their injuries and malnutrition. Their story is both a testament to the resilience of nature and a sobering reminder of the perils facing wildlife in the modern world.
As conservationists and law enforcement continue their battle against traffickers, the broader public is being called upon to play a role. "Wildlife belongs in the wild," Marker reiterated—a simple message with profound implications. The hope is that increased awareness, combined with stronger enforcement and international cooperation, can help stem the tide of illegal wildlife trade before it’s too late for the cheetah and countless other species at risk.
The rescue off Somaliland’s coast is a rare victory in a long and difficult fight. It’s a story that underscores both the urgency of the crisis and the dedication of those working to save one of the world’s most iconic animals. As the world watches, the fate of the cheetah hangs in the balance—one rescue, one cub, one determined conservationist at a time.
