There are estimated to be only about a hundred cheetah left in the wild in Zambia, making the birth of three cubs in Lolelunga Private Reserve near Kafue National Park a source of celebration.

 

Five cheetahs – three females and two males – were introduced to the reserve in August 2024 in partnership with the Cheetah Metapopulation Initiative. Originating in South Africa, all the cats boast mixed genetic lines across multiple South African reserves.

The female, called Shanaya by the guides, gave birth a litter in August 2025 and three living cubs have been noted since.

Lolelunga is the result of a decade-long project to rewild the 30 000 hectare area that had been logged, deforested and poached out. Working with Kaonde villagers, the owners have restored the riverine ecosystem along the Lunga river to support reintroduced species such as cheetah, lion, buffalo, hippo, sable and sitatunga.

 

PHOTOS Lolelunga Private Reserve