The first cheetah to be introduced into the Great Karoo in 125 years, has been killed by an antelope.
The Samara Private Game Reserve said in a statement that the cheetah, Sibella, was gored by an antelope during a hunt on Friday.
Sibella had been living on the reserve.
The cheetah suffered a gaping hole to her abdomen after the run-in with the antelope.
A vet tried to save the cheetah, but was too late.
She reared 20 cubs in four litters since she was released onto the game reserve, near Graaff Reinet, in December 2003.
"Outliving most cheetahs in the wild, she has proved herself to be a capable hunter despite her previous injuries," the reserve said.
Sibella was born in the North West and nearly killed by hunting dogs who tore the flesh off her hind legs when she was 2.
She was also beaten and locked in a cage.
The De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust rescued and rehabilitated her.
Sibella shared an extraordinary bond with the humans in her new home, given the treatment meted out to her previously.
"With the birth of each new litter, when the cubs were old enough to leave their den, this wild cat dutifully presented to her human guardians her latest bundles of fur," the reserve said.
News24 - http://www.news24.com/Green/News/Antelope-kills-famous-cheetah-20150915
The Samara Private Game Reserve said in a statement that the cheetah, Sibella, was gored by an antelope during a hunt on Friday.
Sibella had been living on the reserve.
The cheetah suffered a gaping hole to her abdomen after the run-in with the antelope.
A vet tried to save the cheetah, but was too late.
She reared 20 cubs in four litters since she was released onto the game reserve, near Graaff Reinet, in December 2003.
"Outliving most cheetahs in the wild, she has proved herself to be a capable hunter despite her previous injuries," the reserve said.
Sibella was born in the North West and nearly killed by hunting dogs who tore the flesh off her hind legs when she was 2.
She was also beaten and locked in a cage.
The De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust rescued and rehabilitated her.
Sibella shared an extraordinary bond with the humans in her new home, given the treatment meted out to her previously.
"With the birth of each new litter, when the cubs were old enough to leave their den, this wild cat dutifully presented to her human guardians her latest bundles of fur," the reserve said.
News24 - http://www.news24.com/Green/News/Antelope-kills-famous-cheetah-20150915
