Sylvester, Cheetah Ambassador

Sylvester is an orphan cheetah who cannot be rehabilitated to the wild. He acts as an ambassador cheetah to spread awareness of cheetah conservation.

In April 2010, in the Lowveld area of Zimbabwe, a cheetah gave birth to five cubs. Sadly within two days, in a cruel act of nature, she and four of her cubs were fatally attacked by a male lion, something which is common between apex predators in the wild. The sole survivor was discovered by a game scout named Sylvester, who witnessed the event and the cub was named after him by Norman and Penny E

nglish who became his surrogate parents. Norman worked in National Parks and Wildlife Management for many years and now heads the anti poaching unit in the Bubi Conservancy. Penny is a registered nurse and having both their experience was invaluable in the attempt to keep this young cheetah alive. At two days old, Sylvester still had his umbilical cord attached and unopened eyes. Over the following six months the hard work and devotion from the English family was rewarded but it did not come easily. Feeding was complicated and Sylvester grew faster than his bones could grow but the struggle to find a suitable formula was assisted by the many cheetah experts who passed on information. In time a dietary plan that suited Sylvester was formulated and he began to respond. As Sylvester was never destined to become a pet, and being a specially protected animal on the endangered species list, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Management have naturally been involved from the outset with Sylvester’s welfare. A plan needed to be formulated for a future permanent home for Sylvester, and in this regard VFWT became involved. Despite numerous release attempts, cheetah, apparently, do not survive in the wild without experiencing the maternal care of a mother for the initial twenty two months of their lives. The human imprints of upbringing in captivity are not conducive to a wild release with rehabilitated cheetah often coming into contact with human settlements and being seen as “problem “animals. The Sanctuary that VFWT operates from has large areas of open vleis where a cheetah can exercise naturally and build up the speed for which they are renowned. With no large predators around and the support from his three carers who exercise him extensively and assist in nurturing this orphan, Sylvester has settled in to his new life with vigour. Through our educational programme, Sylvester interacts with schoolchildren and guests who visit the Elephant Wallow during other activities. He will become an “ambassador” cheetah, interacting with the public to raise awareness of their peril as a species and the challenges they face being on the endangered species list. Here in the Victoria Falls region, cheetah are a rare sighting and whilst VFWT respects that the ultimate aim is to promote the conservation of wildlife and are merely custodians of this magnificent animal, funds need to be raised for his upkeep. With feeding, exercise, care and constant companionship, Sylvester has already adapted perfectly to his new environment.

07/09/2023

Monthly donors are the foundation of our mission. Today, we invite you to join our Friends of the Wild recurring giving community - a special group of committed individuals at the ❤️ of our work. As we celebrate our 15th Anniversary this year, we’re offering exciting incentives when you join Friends of the Wild. And, as a coveted donor, you’ll also receive VIP updates on our conservation efforts and impactful stories.

Small steps have big impacts! Monthly giving saves us money on administrative and fundraising costs, so more of your support goes to conservation. Your sustaining contributions will help us plan for the future and expand our reach to make an even greater difference in the wildlife and communities that we serve.

And, as an extra bonus this year, all Friends of the Wild funds will benefit Sylvester’s Legacy Fund in memory of our beloved cheetah ambassador, who remains a part of our hearts forever.

You can donate here to join this exclusive giving circle and make an ongoing impact. https://bit.ly/3QCluE8 - Please, JOIN US.

This offer is subject to residency-based eligibility. For more information, contact [email protected].

22/04/2022

At Victoria Falls, we celebrate Earth Day every day. But today there's 2x the reason to celebrate. We have a matching grant of up to $10,000 for today only. Save twice the lives, rehabilitate twice the animals, mentor twice the number of children, solve twice the forensic cases.... you get the picture. We share the only Earth we have; it's what we all have in common. Thanks to all who guard her. 🌍 DONATE HERE:

Support VFWT! Help us conserve wildlife.

25/11/2021

Today, we’re grateful for those who support wildlife conservation. Happy Thanksgiving to all of our friends in America who celebrate. Although turkeys and vultures are not related, it’s easy to understand the focus on vulture conservation this time of year.

24/11/2021

09/11/2021

What to elephants and vultures have in common? Share the love on and find out!

05/11/2021

2022 Sylvester Legacy Calendar is available for purchase. Congratulations to all of the winners of the photo competition! T-shirts are also available for purchase. Together with the calendars, they'll make wonderful Holiday gifts. https://www.cafepress.com/vfwt

To ensure delivery in time for the Holidays, CafePress suggests you order no later than three weeks out because of the USPS delays and any unforeseen supply issues that might occur. Delivery options are available during check out.

** When you view the calendar on our CafePress shop, it appears as though the same image shows on all 12 pages in the viewing pane. It's a virtual glitch only, which they've been working on. Rest assured the calendars are laid out and printed as it appears below.**

03/11/2021

As we head into a notoriously hectic time of the year, Victoria Falls Wildlife would like to offer our heart-felt thanks for your devoted support, help and passion on behalf of Africa's iconic wildlife and the rural communities with which it coexists. What an amazing difference you all have made!

For those who are part of our community but might not have yet supported our work, thank you for staying in touch and remaining on our mailing lists and engaging us on social media. Your interest in, and attention to, the unique and complicated challenges wildlife face in this part of the world is important and valued.

Last but certainly not least, to our volunteers in the bush, lab and behind your desks - from Zimbabwe to the UK to the US.... a very special nod to you. It takes a village!

06/07/2021

YOU DID IT AGAIN! We're thrilled to let everyone know that we exceeded our goal in the final ours of the challenge match campaign. Together, you raised a total of $11,670 and, with the $7,500 match, $19,170 was raised for wildlife rescue and snare removal efforts!

To the amazing donors who offered this challenge, and to our generous friends who stepped up throughout the campaign to ensure we secured this grant, the Board of Trustees and staff offer our sincere and deepest thanks! Your kindness will save a lot of wild lives over the coming months. THANK YOU!

25/06/2021

Please join us in a shout out to three of our amazing volunteers who regularly help us with administration, fundraising and outreach support. Thank you Sue Holloway, Jack Marcum and Christine Wilson! Your help is invaluable to us and we appreciate you ever so much!

Photos from Sylvester, Cheetah Ambassador's post

11/06/2021

At long last we have selected the photos from the Sylvester Legacy Photo Campaign to be included in the 2022 calendar.

Congratulations to Meg Kay, Chris Rock, Lynne Sedey, Patty McLeod, John Stoddart, Kamaya Jane, Leslie Johnson, Eric Riderman, Jay and Sharon Ogden, Peter Bethell, Tracy Cox-Smith, Ralph Frohsin. Category = "Photos WITH Sylvester."

Congratulations also are extended to these Category = "Sylvester ONLY" photographs: Mark Dunford, Daryly Eremin, Jacqueline Kauza, Sylvia Majani, Jack Marcum, Nathalie, Moncorge, Jim Ross, Suzanne Knighton, Christine Wilson, and Sandi Boone.

We extend our congratulations to everyone who participated in the fun, and are moved by all of the memories created with our beloved friend. You also raised close to $15,000 ($4,000 over our goal!).

We offer our sincere thanks to all of you. We will post the link to the calendar as soon as it is available.

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28/04/2021

Results of Sylvester's Legacy Photo Campaign are here. We exceeded our goals! Our work has never been more important and we appreciate every ounce of your support. Thank you!

Bush Talk: Cause for celebration? 🐘 A strong first quarter bodes well for wildlife and people in Victoria Falls A STRONG FIRST QUARTER BODES WELL FOR PEOPLE AND WILDLIFE We have some good news to share! Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust end

04/04/2021

Today's the last day to participate in this legacy opportunity. WE ARE LESS THEN $250 AWAY FROM OUR $10,000 GOAL!

For a donation of $75 (or more), you can submit up to 4 images of your time spent with Sylvester to be included into a mosaic image. We will then send you a T-shirt with the image printed on it.

Our volunteers will also choose 12 of their absolute favorite pictures of Sylvester and some of the entries to be used in a 2022 calendar that we will sell in various places and use for promotions.

Donate or read the detailed instructions here https://conta.cc/2MpnrVI .

For any questions please contact [email protected].

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