WildeCheetah
Wildlife Veterinary Care Program: Cheetah Rescue & Rehabilitation
Step into the world of specialist wildlife dentistry and join Wilde Tracks and the Dental Coalition for Conservation (DCC) for a unique veterinary conservation mission at the Cheetah Conservation Fund centre in Somaliland.
Specialist Dental Mission | 30 October-8 November 2027
This special 10-day mission will bring together the Dental Coalition for Conservation, Wilde Tracks and a team of specialist professionals to provide comprehensive dental care to rescued cheetahs in need.
The centre is home to more than 120 cheetahs rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, and during this mission the team aims to assess and treat more than 10 cheetahs, focusing on dental health as an important part of their overall welfare and long-term care.
Participants will go behind the scenes of wildlife dentistry, learning about the challenges of assessing and treating dental conditions in cheetahs and seeing how specialist dental care can contribute to the health and quality of life of these remarkable animals.
The mission will also be joined by Dr Laurie Marker, founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund and one of the world's most knowledgeable and recognised cheetah conservationists. Her involvement provides a rare opportunity to learn directly from decades of expertise in cheetah conservation, research and welfare.
Alongside the specialist dental work, participants will gain insight into the wider care of the cheetahs at the centre, including veterinary care, husbandry, nutrition, behaviour, enrichment and rehabilitation.
If time and clinical needs permit, the mission may also extend beyond the cheetahs, with dental checks for local community workers and dental assessments for dogs cared for at the facility. This creates an opportunity to explore the connection between wildlife, domestic animal and human dental health, while supporting the wider community and animals connected to the conservation centre.
Who Can Join?
This mission is open to anyone with an interest in dentistry, veterinary care, wildlife or cheetah conservation. No formal veterinary or dental qualifications are required to take part.
The mission is particularly suited to dentists, dental students, dental nurses, dental technicians, veterinary professionals and students, as well as anyone interested in learning more about the role of dentistry in wildlife welfare.
Private Group Missions
The wider WildeCheetah veterinary mission can also be arranged for private groups at other times of the year as a 10 or 14-day mission. Gather your group, choose your preferred dates and Wilde Tracks can work with the centre to create a private conservation mission focused on veterinary care, cheetah husbandry and life at the Cheetah Conservation Fund centre.
This is a rare opportunity to work alongside the team caring for cheetahs rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, while gaining a deeper understanding of conservation, veterinary care and the challenges of wildlife rehabilitation.
location
Somaliland
Somaliland is a fascinating destination known for its striking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and unique wildlife. From rugged mountains and vast open plains to dramatic coastlines and desert landscapes, the region offers an extraordinary setting for exploration and conservation. Home to diverse wildlife including antelope, gazelles, baboons, birds and other desert-adapted species, Somaliland provides a rare opportunity to experience ecosystems that remain largely unexplored by international travellers. With a rich history, strong cultural traditions and welcoming communities, Somaliland offers a unique combination of conservation, culture and adventure. From discovering its remarkable natural environments to connecting with local communities, there is something truly special to experience around every corner.
conservation activities
Conservation Activities
This mission offers an immersive introduction to the day-to-day realities of wildlife conservation, veterinary care and rehabilitation. Working alongside experienced professionals, you’ll contribute to the care of more than 120 rescued cheetahs while gaining practical insight into the many elements required to support their health and wellbeing.
Veterinary Care
Depending on the needs of the animals and the veterinary schedule, participants may assist with:
Routine medical checks and veterinary rounds
Blood collection and sample handling
Body condition scoring
Vaccinations and preventative healthcare
Administration of veterinary treatments
Diagnostic procedures and investigations
Supporting real emergency cases and rescues when they arise
Husbandry & Animal Care
Daily husbandry is a vital part of wildlife rehabilitation. Activities may include:
Preparing and distributing meals
Feeding and monitoring animals
Fecal collection and health observations
Enclosure cleaning and maintenance
Supporting cub care
Monitoring behaviour and overall wellbeing
Training & Enrichment
Learn how positive training and enrichment can support the physical and psychological wellbeing of rescued wildlife. You may participate in cheetah-specific training, voluntary veterinary procedures, enrichment activities and cub development and socialisation.
Nutrition & Butchery
Gain an understanding of the nutritional requirements of large carnivores through involvement in the preparation of meat for feeding. Participants may assist with carcass handling, meat preparation and organ checks as part of the centre's feeding programme.
Conservation Data & Clinic Support
Behind every successful rehabilitation programme is careful record keeping and monitoring. Participants may assist with sample preparation, storage and data entry into a cloud-based medical records system, helping maintain accurate health records for the animals in care.
Community & Conservation
The mission also provides an opportunity to understand the wider conservation challenges facing cheetahs and the importance of community engagement. A cultural excursion offers insight into the local community and the broader conservation landscape of Somaliland.
Activities are dependent on animal welfare, veterinary requirements and the operational needs of the centre. The priority throughout the mission is always the health, safety and wellbeing of the animals.
your somaliland home
Accommodation
Your accommodation is part of the experience. Stay right alongside the cheetah conservation centre, where you’ll be immersed in the sights and sounds of wildlife from the moment you wake up.
Start your mornings with spectacular sunrises overlooking the cheetah centre, before heading out for another day of conservation and veterinary activities. The centre's friendly dogs are always nearby to keep you company, while wildlife can often be spotted moving through the surrounding landscape.
After a busy day working with cheetahs, return to a relaxed and welcoming environment where you can unwind, share stories with fellow participants and watch the African landscape come alive around you.
With wildlife on your doorstep and the conservation centre at the heart of your stay, this is far more than accommodation - it is your home in the heart of the mission.
Available Missions
We Can't Wait To Welcome You
Next Mission
30 October - 8 November 2027 - specialty dental mission in collaboration with the Dental Coalition for Conservation
Private Group missions for the general veterinary mission are available throughout the year - contact for details!
Who Can Join
Open to anyone 18 years and older with a passion for conservation, no qualifications required
Open to any gender
Also suitable for those studying or working in the veterinary and animal care industries
Inclusions + exclusions
What's included
Accommodation
Accommodation on site at the CCF Cheetah Centre
Full Board
All meals and non alcoholic drinks
Transfers
Including airport pick-up and drop-off from Hargeisa Aiport (HGA)
Conservation Work
Hands-on conservation work rescuing and caring for cheetahs, involving veterinary care, husbandry, training, and community engagement to support their survival and wellbeing.
All Activities
Hands-on activities include veterinary care, medical training, sample handling, husbandry tasks, meal prep, enclosure maintenance, cub care, butchery, and data management for cheetah conservation.
Guides
Qualified English-speaking professionals
What's not included
Flights
International flight to Hargeisa Airport
Health/Travel Insurance
Mandatory
Tourist Visa
If applicable
Alcohol & Souvenirs
Conservation Contribution
Ready to Join Us?
If “Book Now” is available:
Click the Book Now button to secure your place on the mission. Select the departure date and the applicable package.
A deposit is required to confirm your spot - spaces are limited and cannot be held without payment
The remaining balance is split into three instalments, with final payment due 90 days prior to departure
If booking within 90 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking
Once your deposit (or full payment) is received, you’ll be sent a detailed information pack covering everything you need to know - including program details, travel guidance, what to expect, and a packing list
If “Book Now” is not available:
This mission may have specific requirements, offers multiple departure dates, or has alternative mission lengths available
Click Ask A Question and complete your details to register your interest
A Wilde Tracks team member will contact you via email
If you don’t hear from us within 3 business days, please email info@wildetracks.com
No payment is required to register your interest
Our team will help guide you through the best options available for you
Some of our trips require a minimum number of participants to run. In the unlikely event the minimum isn’t met, we’ll let you know no later than 60 days before departure. If you haven’t heard from us by then, your trip is good to go. To keep things flexible, we recommend booking your flight after this point or choosing a flexible ticket.
Find Out More
Want to learn more before booking your Wilde Tracks mission?
📧 Email us: info@wildetracks.com
📸 See the mission in action: Follow @wildetracks on Instagram for footage from past missions, conservation work and behind-the-scenes moments.
💬 Have a question? Send us an email or DM on Instagram, or use the “Ask a Question” button at the top of this page - our team is happy to help.
Real Experiences. Real Travellers. Real Reviews.
Don’t just take our word for it - hear directly from the travellers who have joined Wilde Tracks missions around the world.
From hands-on conservation work and unforgettable wildlife encounters to meaningful connections with local communities, our guests share what it’s really like to travel with purpose.
⭐ 5.0/5 on Tripadvisor
⭐ 34 five-star reviews
⭐ Travellers’ Choice recognised
Read their stories, see what they experienced and discover why so many of our guests are already planning their next Wilde Tracks adventure.
Photo gallery
About your organizer
Wilde Tracks is a conservation organisation with a different approach to funding wildlife protection: our conservation work is funded through travel.
We work alongside wildlife veterinarians, conservation organisations, reserves, researchers and local communities around the world, helping fund vital work including veterinary interventions, wildlife monitoring and tracking, anti-poaching initiatives, research, habitat protection and community-led conservation.
Rather than relying on donations or traditional fundraising, the people who travel with Wilde Tracks help make this work possible. The money generated through our trips directly contributes to the conservation projects our guests may be part of, while also supporting important work continuing behind the scenes.