About Us

The primary goal of the Cheetah Outreach Trust is the conservation and promotion of the co-existence of the free roaming cheetah in South Africa that live on farmland areas in South Africa. From a global estimated 100,000 cheetahs at the turn of the 20th century the population is currently estimated to be 6674.

Shrinking habitat, dwindling of natural prey, and conflict with human activities are the primary causes of these decreasing numbers. There are estimated to be 1,326 cheetahs in South Africa of which approximately 500 are free roaming cheetah living on farmlands in the northern part of the country. This specific population is the focus of our work. We understand the complexity and issues involving cheetah conservation in these farmland areas due to years of working hand in hand with farming communities. We are proud of our continuing efforts over the past 20 years to protect these cheetah on South African farmlands. The Cheetah Outreach Trust through working with the communities in these areas has developed initiatives that reduce and manage the human-wildlife conflict between farmers and cheetah. In addition, the Cheetah Outreach Trust has a well regarded curriculum-linked educational program for learners operating at the Cheetah Outreach facility in the Cape Town area. The Cheetah Outreach Trust works with academic institutions locally as well as internationally to initiate research projects focused on the conservation of cheetah on farmland areas in South Africa.

the team

Annie Beckhelling: Founder of the Cheetah Outreach Trust and Executive Trustee Cheetah Outreach Trust

In January 1997, founder Annie Beckhelling, launched the project with a hectare of land provided by Spier Wine Estates located in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Cheetah Outreach then set out to introduce cheetah to the South African community though educational programs. Annie soon realized that she needed to expand the work done into the farmland areas where cheetah occur and are under threat. Annie established the Cheetah Outreach Trust in 2005 for this purpose. Annie continues to lead the Cheetah Outreach Trust together with her fellow Trustees

deon Cilliers: Conservation Manager

Deon joined the Cheetah Outreach team in June 2013 as Livestock Guardian Dog Manager, East Territory. Armed with a Btech Degree in Nature Conservation and 30 years of in the field conservation experience, he has vast experience working in wildlife conservation and with farmers on farmland areas. As project manager for the eastern territory of the Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD) Project, he places and monitors Anatolian livestock guardian dogs on livestock and game farms in the Limpopo Province, a natural distribution range for wild cheetah. Deon brings valuable knowledge and experience to the effort to reduce human-predator conflict in South Africa through the Cheetah Outreach Trust and continues his work by expanding the knowledge of cheetahs through camera trapping and collaring projects. Deon also manages the Cheetah Outreach Trust portfolio of research projects and coordinates the Irwin’s Guardian Stud where livestock guardian dog puppies are bred for placement.

Cyril Stannard: Project Manager and Senior Field Officer of the Cheetah Outreach Trust – Western Cheetah Range

Cyril joined the Cheetah Outreach Trust in 2008 as project coordinator of the Livestock Guarding Dog(LGD) project. He work with LGD’s for 10 years before joining the Cheetah Outreach Trust team, giving him valuable insights in working with LGD’s as well as into human wildlife conflict situations. In total he has 22 years of experience in human wildlife conflict and the raising and training of LGDs. At the National Dept of Agriculture he managed a LGD project with roughly 250 placements. Cyril successfully managed the breeding project for Anatolian LGD’s that were situated at the Grootfontein Agricultural College. Since joining the Trust he has helped to expand the LGD project by placing LGD’s in the North West province on the border between South Africa and Botswana. Cyril also placed LGD’s on farms within Botswana. With Cyril’s hands on approach he was of valuable assistance to the North West Department of Nature Conservation in the relocation of trapped Cheetah. Being a fieldworker in the Livestock Guarding Dog(LGD) project for the Cheetah Outreach Trust is Cyril’s passion. He is dedicated to both the LGD’s and the farmers and will go to great lengths to assist in any matter.

Dylan Dobbins: Junior field officer

Dylan Dobbins is a dedicated wildlife conservationist with a profound passion for protecting and preserving endangered species. Currently serving at the Cheetah Outreach Trust, Dylan's commitment to wildlife is evidenced by his extensive background and qualifications in the field. With a FGASA Level 1 qualification, Dylan has a solid foundation in guiding and wildlife education, ensuring that he can share his knowledge and enthusiasm with visitors and stakeholders alike. His academic credentials are equally impressive; he holds a Master of Science in Zoology, which has equipped him with a deep understanding of animal behavior, ecology, and conservation strategies. Dylan's professional journey began with a focus on orphaned rhino calves. He has devoted significant time to the study, rescue, and rehabilitation of orphaned rhinos, gaining invaluable experience in hands-on conservation efforts and wildlife rehabilitation techniques. This work not only highlights his expertise but also underscores his unwavering dedication to animal welfare. At the Cheetah Outreach Trust, Dylan continues to make a positive impact, striving to raise awareness about the plight of free-roaming cheetahs. His passion, combined with his academic and practical experience, makes him an invaluable asset to the organization and a true advocate for wildlife conservation.

Trustees

Jeremy Burman: After completing his accounting articles in Cape Town, Jeremy moved to the US and worked for a large public accounting firm before relocating to the UK, where he worked in the corporate sector for a number of years. Shortly after returning to South Africa he joined Private Client Holdings, initially as the accounting and tax manager, before becoming a director of the Financial Services division and has remained in this role for the past 15 years. Most of his time is spent consulting to business owners and working closely with the Wealth and Fiduciary specialists within Private Client Holdings to provide holistic financial solutions to their family office clients. He has been a member of SAICA since 2004, is a registered tax practitioner who has published a number of articles on various aspects of the South African tax system and sits as a Trustee on a number of charitable Trusts. The position of Trustees is an unpaid position. Ross Cowing and Liesl Smith: trustees in waiting