New conservation milestone for Mantis and Global Humane partnership
A remarkable conservation journey has reached an important new milestone with the successful rewilding and relocation of cheetah cubs born to Nkanyiso, a formerly captive cheetah whose story has become a symbol of hope for one of Africa's most endangered big cats.
Nkanyiso arrived at Nyosi Wildlife Reserve in South Africa's Eastern Cape in 2023 and successfully adapted to life in the wild, learning to hunt independently before giving birth to four cubs. Despite suffering a serious leg injury in 2024, she recovered following specialist veterinary care and returned to the reserve to continue raising her young.
Months of careful monitoring confirmed she had taught her cubs the essential survival skills needed for life in the wild. This allowed conservation experts to approve them for relocation under the regional Cheetah Metapopulation Initiative: Aimed at improving genetic diversity through managing cheetah populations between protected reserves.
Female cubs, Amira and Zola, have been successfully relocated and released into Royal Jozini Game Reserve in Eswatini (KZN) where they are adapting well. Brothers, Zuko and Khukhula, will be relocated once suitable protected reserves have been identified. Meanwhile, Nkanyiso remains at Nyosi Wildlife Reserve where she will continue to contribute to the local population.
Ongoing GPS monitoring of this cheetah family will provide valuable data to the conservation teams and support the long-term success of the programme.
Supported by conservation-led hospitality brand Mantis, in partnership with Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa (GH-CFA) and funded, in part, through donations from members of Accor Live Limitless (ALL), the initiative is helping strengthen wild cheetah populations across Southern Africa, while creating opportunities for local communities through conservation education and employment.
Through donated reward points, members of Accor Live Limitless help fund vital conservation activities, while Mantis continues to support long-term rewilding efforts through its partnership with Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa.
The programme demonstrates the important role responsible tourism can play in protecting biodiversity and also recognises that successful conservation depends on empowering local communities. Through the Cheetah Champions project, young people receive mentorship, accredited guide training and practical conservation experience. Several participants have secured permanent employment within the wildlife industry.
‘Every cheetah we contribute toward rewilding represents hope for restoring balance in ecosystems and the future of the species,’ says Craig Erasmus, CEO of Mantis. ‘The journey of Nkanyiso and her cubs demonstrates what can be achieved when conservation organisations, responsible tourism and committed travellers work together.’
With fewer than an estimated 7 000 cheetahs in the wild, collaborative conservation initiatives play an increasingly important role in securing the future of Africa's fastest land mammal.
For Mantis, every successful release is another step towards restoring nature, protecting biodiversity and ensuring that future generations can continue to experience Africa's iconic wildlife, in the wild, where it belongs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EydXj47NnDU
About Mantis
Mantis is a leading community and conservation-focused hotel group with a hand-picked portfolio of eco-lodges, waterways and curated eco-escapes. Born out of Africa and founded in 2000, Mantis has long encouraged authentic and sustainable travel. Guests can tread closer to the great and small creatures of Africa, explore sweeping plains or dive into the deep blue off tropical shores – fully immersed in each destination, connecting with local people and discovering life-changing journeys that inspire positive action.
Every Mantis property has its own unique story to tell, of its people and culture, celebrating the authenticity of its location. All are linked through a collective ambition to be extraordinary; to be rare in a world that mass-produces sameness. Mantis is passionate about honouring its commitment to the conservation and preservation of our natural and cultural world.
Mantis is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5 600 properties throughout more than 110 countries and a participating brand in ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty programme providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.
An exceptional place to find yourself.
