Spots and Speed: The Race to Save Cheetahs with Sue Heim

Episode Summary:
In this inspiring episode we hear from Sue Heim, an interpretive volunteer at the San Diego Zoo and dedicated volunteer with the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF). Fresh from a month-long trip in Namibia, Sue shares her firsthand experiences in cheetah conservation, discussing the unique traits, challenges, and conservation strategies for cheetahs.

Key Topics Covered:
- Sue's Journey to Conservation: Learn how Sue's passion for cheetahs led her from San Diego to Namibia, working alongside experts at CCF.
- Understanding Cheetah Characteristics: Sue discusses the unique behaviours and physical traits of cheetahs, including their unparalleled speed and distinctive “tear marks.”
- Cheetah Conservation Challenges: Key threats to cheetah survival include habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and the illegal pet trade. Sue explains how these factors impact cheetah populations.
- Innovative Conservation Efforts: From livestock-guarding dogs to anti-poaching initiatives, discover how CCF and local communities collaborate to protect cheetahs and educate the public.
- A Day in the Life of a Volunteer: Sue recounts her diverse experiences at CCF, including feeding cheetahs, training livestock-guarding dogs, and helping with the "Dancing Goat Creamery" at the centre.
- Get Involved: Sue shares actionable steps listeners can take to support cheetah conservation from anywhere in the world, including donations, virtual challenges, and zoo volunteering.

Notable Quotes:
"Cheetahs rely on speed rather than brute force—an incredible animal that runs up to 70 miles per hour."
"They are non-confrontational, even in the wild. If you see a cheetah, it’s more likely to hiss and run away than to attack."
"We’re teaching local farmers sustainable ways to protect livestock and reduce conflicts with cheetahs, from specialised fencing to livestock-guarding dogs."

How You Can Help:
1. **Donate to the Cheetah Conservation Fund**: Your contributions help fund critical conservation efforts across Africa.
2. **Spread Awareness**: Educate friends and family about the plight of cheetahs and the ongoing conservation efforts.
4. **Volunteer Locally**: Many zoos and conservation organisations offer opportunities to support big cat conservation.

Resources:
- Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) https://cheetah.org/
- Follow Sue Heim's Journey on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sue.heim   for insights and photos from her experiences at CCF.

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Intro and outro music, 'Time for a Coffee'  Bob Wells © 2020

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