Now Living at CCF's Centre - Somaliland Police Rescue 10 Cheetah Cubs from Traffickers

On Thursday, August 14, 2025, the police force of the Hargeisa region, specifically in the Silaxli district, successfully captured ten cheetah cubs. This operation also resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of the vehicle they were using. The intention was to smuggle the cheetahs out of the country.

Authorities are reminding the public that it is illegal to possess or trade in wildlife, especially cheetahs, which are a species with a small and declining population in the region. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is actively working in the Silaxli district, in cooperation with the police, to conduct operations against such trafficking. Police forces everywhere are ordered to act against wildlife trafficking and to seize any wild animals they find being harmed or illegally possessed.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has previously taken custody of 109 cheetah cubs that were rescued from being smuggled or held illegally. These animals are now located in a sanctuary in the Darasalam district.

The public of Somaliland is urged to protect wildlife within its natural habitat. Wild animals have their own dignity, as granted by God, and should be protected. The community is asked to cooperate with the police to protect these animals from the harm and stress they endure when captured. The message is repeated for emphasis: wildlife must be protected in its natural environment.

Thanks are given once again to the police force of the Hargeisa region, particularly in the Salaxley district, for their significant efforts. The two suspects and their vehicle have been seized, and authorities are now working to find and take action against other accomplices who were involved in planning the sale of the animals.