NataliaCara

This baby baboon has been cared for at a wildlife sanctuary since he was rescued, and just like humans, baboons sometimes get lice, so they need to get bathed with a proper shampoo for that. Well, there is nothing he loves more than playing in the water while getting a bath! The Chacma Baboon (Papio ursinus), is one of the five species of baboons, along with the Yellow baboon (Papio cynocephalus), the Olive baboon (Papio anubis), the Guinea baboon (Papio papio), and the Hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas). With the exception of the Hamadryas Baboon, which also occurs in the southwestern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, they are all native to the African continent. The Chacma Baboon occurs all over southern Africa, up to the Zambezi valley, Caprivi, and southern Angola. Two subspecies of Chacma Baboon are recognized: Papio ursinus griseipes, occuring in south-west Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique; and Papio ursinus ursinus, occuring in all provinces of South Africa and throughout Namibia. They have the need to drink water daily, making water a limiting factor for their range, but they occupy subdesert and steppes, savanna, all types of woodland, montane regions, Cape Fynbos and Succulent Karoo. Chacma Baboons live in troops of usually 20 to 50 members, but up to 130 individuals have been recorded together. The troops contain adult males, females and the babies, and it has a complex social structure, and are ranked by dominance. Baboons are omnivorous and opportunistic, which means that they eat a little bit of everything, and will take whatever they can get their hands on, even though they might show a preference for bulbs, shoots, roots, seeds, and fruits. They can also eat fungi, lichen, invertebrates, small vertebrates and, occasionally, even small antelopes, or lambs and small stock, in some ranching areas. They are usually considered pests, for raiding crops and livestock, which makes people shoot and poison them. They are also hunted for bushmeat, captured for the pet trade and can be used for medical research, but victims of urbanization as well, getting hit by cars or electrocuted.

This cheetah had to be rescued and now lives in a pre-release area. He still needs to get fed, which means that he doesn't hunt, so he needs to chase the car in order to get his food. He knows that he will get fed regardless, so he doesn't exactly put on an effort... but at least he's getting some exercise! The Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), is native to Africa and Asia, although it has been extirpated from nearly all of its Asian range. They could once be found from the shores of the Mediterranean and the Arabian Peninsula, west through central India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and north to the northern shores of the Aral and Caspian Seas, but nowadays are limited to the central deserts of Iran. Although cheetahs still occur in several African countries, they now only occupy 10% of their historic range. Five subspecies are recognized: Acinonyx jubatus hecki, in Northwest Africa; Acinonyx jubatus earsoni, in East Africa; Acinonyx jubatus jubatus, in Southern Africa; Acinonyx jubatus soemmerringi, in Northeast Africa; and Acinonyx jubatus venaticus, from Northern Africa to central India. Cheetahs are classified as Vulnerable, although the subspecies Acinonyx jubatus venaticus and Acinonyx jubatus heckii are listed as Critically Endangered. They can be found in dry forest, thick scrub, grassland and hyperarid deserts. They are only absent from montane and tropical forests. Cheetahs are mostly known as the fastest land mammals, however, they are only able to sustain top speeds for a few hundred meters. If they don't succeed at their hunt by then, they need to give up and rest, otherwise they overheat. Unlike other cat species, female cheetahs are solitary, accompanied only by their young, and males can be solitary or live in coalitions of two or three, usually consisting of brothers, but not necessarily.

This little baby baboon lost her mother and had to be rescued; now she is hand-reared at a Wildlife Sanctuary. There are many animals in a similar situation there, but because she is still so tiny, she still spends the whole day with her carers, only interacting with other baboons in their presence. She is absolutely adorable and loves to play! Just look at her! Doesn't she act like a human toddler?! It's fascinating to watch! The Chacma Baboon (Papio ursinus), is one of the five species of baboons, along with the Yellow baboon (Papio cynocephalus), the Olive baboon (Papio anubis), the Guinea baboon (Papio papio), and the Hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas). With the exception of the Hamadryas Baboon, which also occurs in the southwestern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, they are all native to the African continent. The Chacma Baboon occurs all over southern Africa, up to the Zambezi valley, Caprivi, and southern Angola. Two subspecies of Chacma Baboon are recognized: Papio ursinus griseipes, occuring in south-west Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique; and Papio ursinus ursinus, occuring in all provinces of South Africa and throughout Namibia. They have the need to drink water daily, making water a limiting factor for their range, but they occupy subdesert and steppes, savanna, all types of woodland, montane regions, Cape Fynbos and Succulent Karoo. Chacma Baboons live in troops of usually 20 to 50 members, but up to 130 individuals have been recorded together. The troops contain adult males, females and the babies, and it has a complex social structure, and are ranked by dominance. Baboons are omnivorous and opportunistic, which means that they eat a little bit of everything, and will take whatever they can get their hands on, even though they might show a preference for bulbs, shoots, roots, seeds, and fruits. They can also eat fungi, lichen, invertebrates, small vertebrates and, occasionally, even small antelopes, or lambs and small stock, in some ranching areas. They are usually considered pests, for raiding crops and livestock, which makes people shoot and poison them. They are also hunted for bushmeat, captured for the pet trade and can be used for medical research, but victims of urbanization as well, getting hit by cars or electrocuted.

This adorable baby baboon had to be rescued when it was still very little, but since baboons are social animals, they love being around their carers. The Chacma Baboon (Papio ursinus), is one of the five species of baboons, along with the Yellow baboon (Papio cynocephalus), the Olive baboon (Papio anubis), the Guinea baboon (Papio papio), and the Hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas). With the exception of the Hamadryas Baboon, which also occurs in the southwestern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, they are all native to the African continent. The Chacma Baboon occurs all over southern Africa, up to the Zambezi valley, Caprivi, and southern Angola. Two subspecies of Chacma Baboon are recognized: Papio ursinus griseipes, occuring in south-west Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique; and Papio ursinus ursinus, occuring in all provinces of South Africa and throughout Namibia. They have the need to drink water daily, making water a limiting factor for their range, but they occupy subdesert and steppes, savanna, all types of woodland, montane regions, Cape Fynbos and Succulent Karoo. Chacma Baboons live in troops of usually 20 to 50 members, but up to 130 individuals have been recorded together. The troops contain adult males, females and the babies, and it has a complex social structure, and are ranked by dominance. Baboons are omnivorous and opportunistic, which means that they eat a little bit of everything, and will take whatever they can get their hands on, even though they might show a preference for bulbs, shoots, roots, seeds, and fruits. They can also eat fungi, lichen, invertebrates, small vertebrates and, occasionally, even small antelopes, or lambs and small stock, in some ranching areas. They are usually considered pests, for raiding crops and livestock, which makes people shoot and poison them. They are also hunted for bushmeat, captured for the pet trade and can be used for medical research, but victims of urbanization as well, getting hit by cars or electrocuted.

This young rescued Wild Dog was sick, and had to be kept in quarentine before getting moved to a big enclosure, to live with a companion, but as every young canid, she is very active and playful, and really wants to bite water!! The African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus), also known as African Painted Dog, is one of the most endangered mammals in the world! It was been considered endangered for over twenty years, and with an estimate of about 6,600 remaining in the wild. They are not only shot or poisoned by farmers, for being accused of killing livestock, but their main threat is habitat fragmentation, which not only subjects them to disease outbreaks, but increases the human-wild dog conflict. Their scientific name means "painted dog", due to their mottled coat, which has brown, yellow, white and black colors. And even though that is true for every Wild Dog, each of them will have a unique pattern, which makes them easy to be visually identified. Unlike other canids, they have no underfur, and it's entirely consisted of stiff bristle-hairs. The fur is gradually lost with age, making old individuals nearly bald. Wild Dogs are highly social animals, and almost exclusively live in packs, usually of up to ten individuals, but packs with over 40 members have been recorded. A lone Wild Dog has a very slim chance of survival, and packs don’t accept new members. There is monogamous alpha mating pair in charge of the pack, but the pups are the ones who get to feed first, and the rest of the group has to patiently wait for their turn. The pack shares a very strong bond and when a member is injured or ill, and is unable to hunt, the other ones will care for it and feed it, making sure it doesn't die. Because the pack has such a coordinated nature, they have a 80% success rate with hunts, making them extremely effective predators! Because they communicate so well, they are even able to change strategy during a hunt.

This rescued Yellow Mongoose lives in a wildlife sanctuary and can't be returned to the wild, but he loves to play with his caretakers! So adorable! The Yellow Mongoose (Cynictis penicillata) is native to Southern Africa, and can be found in open, semi-arid areas, such as grasslands, scrub and semi-desert scrub. It is rarely seen in deserts, mountains or forests. It belongs to the Herpestidae family, along with 29 other species of mongooses from Africa and Southern Eurasia, 4 species of dwarf mongooses, and the Meerkat (Suricata suricatta). The Yellow Mongoose is the only member of the Cynictis genus, but it has several subspecies, based on color variation, size and hair and tail length. They are carnivorous, feeding on small animals such as lizards, snakes, amphibians, small mammals, but mainly insects and other invertebrates. They also eat all sorts of eggs. They have strong claws, used for digging and grabbing their food. They live underground, and may share the burrow with other species. Yellow Mongooses are facultatively social; they may den socially, cooperating in the rearing the pups and defending the territory, but they forage alone. They are diurnal animals, although nocturnal activity had been recorded. They are generally quiet animals, although high-pitched screams can be heard when they are fighting, as well as low defensive growls, and a short bark when alarm calling. They can also make a soft purring sound when mating. Yellow mongooses breed seasonally, twice a year. The female gives birth from one to three pups per litter; first, around October, and then between December and February. The pups are weaned around two months old, when they leave the burrow t forage with the adults for the first time, and become independent between four and five months of age.

This Black-backed Jackal may be a rescued animal, but she is not a sociable one, and goes away when people try and approach her, so it was a great surprise when she let me not only get near her, but also give her a scratch under the chin! And I think we can all agree that she loved it!

This adorable rescue cat lives at a marine rescue center. He does his own things and doesn't interact with the other animals, but he's gotten very used to their presence, so he doesn't mind at all that, while he is peacefully sleeping on my lap, there is an orphaned fur seal suckling on my leg! This adorable South American Fur Seal (Arctocephalus australis) was separated from his mother at a younger age than he was supposed to and ended up at the beach, not doing too well, so he was taken to a marine rescue center, to receive proper care until he is ready to be released back into the ocean. Although marine animals don't usually like human contact and will bite if you try and pet them, he follows me around all day and feels the need to suckle my leg for comfort. Although they have "seal" in the name, Fur Seals are actually more closely related to Sea Lions than to True Seals, belonging to the Otariidae family. Otariids are also known as "eared seals". Not only do they have external ear flaps, unlike true seals (Phocids), but they also have much larger flippers and can actually walk on land, instead of galumphing, like true seals. There are nine species of Fur Seals in the world: the Antarctic Fur Seal (Arctocephalus gazella), the Brown Fur Seal (Arctocephalus pusillus), the Galapagos Fur Seal (Arctocephalus galapagoensis), the Guadalupe Fur Seal (Arctocephalus townsendi), the Juan Fernández Fur Seal (Arctocephalus philippii), the New Zealand Fur Seal (Arctocephalus forsteri), the South American Fur Seal (Arctocephalus australis), the Subantarctic Fur Seal (Arctocephalus tropicalis), and the Northern Fur Seal (Callorhinus ursinus). As you may have noticed, the Northern Fur Seal is the only extant member of its genus, with all other Fur Seal species belonging to the Arctocephalus genus.

This cheetah was rescued many years ago, and it's now very old, but she can't help purring as soon as she sees someone, and she will only stop after the person is gone! Adorable! The Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), is native to Africa and Asia, although it has been extirpated from nearly all of its Asian range. They could once be found from the shores of the Mediterranean and the Arabian Peninsula, west through central India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and north to the northern shores of the Aral and Caspian Seas, but nowadays are limited to the central deserts of Iran. Although cheetahs still occur in several African countries, they now only occupy 10% of their historic range. Five subspecies are recognized: Acinonyx jubatus hecki, in Northwest Africa; Acinonyx jubatus earsoni, in East Africa; Acinonyx jubatus jubatus, in Southern Africa; Acinonyx jubatus soemmerringi, in Northeast Africa; and Acinonyx jubatus venaticus, from Northern Africa to central India. Cheetahs are classified as Vulnerable, although the subspecies Acinonyx jubatus venaticus and Acinonyx jubatus heckii are listed as Critically Endangered. They can be found in dry forest, thick scrub, grassland and hyperarid deserts. They are only absent from montane and tropical forests. Cheetahs are mostly known as the fastest land mammals, however, they are only able to sustain top speeds for a few hundred meters. If they don't succeed at their hunt by then, they need to give up and rest, otherwise they overheat. Unlike other cat species, female cheetahs are solitary, accompanied only by their young, and males can be solitary or live in coalitions of two or three, usually consisting of brothers, but not necessarily.

This beautiful cheetah was rescued when he was just a little cub, and in spite of never being able to return to the wild, he is now living the life! The Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), is native to Africa and Asia, although it has been extirpated from nearly all of its Asian range. They could once be found from the shores of the Mediterranean and the Arabian Peninsula, west through central India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and north to the northern shores of the Aral and Caspian Seas, but nowadays are limited to the central deserts of Iran. Although cheetahs still occur in several African countries, they now only occupy 10% of their historic range. Five subspecies are recognized: Acinonyx jubatus hecki, in Northwest Africa; Acinonyx jubatus earsoni, in East Africa; Acinonyx jubatus jubatus, in Southern Africa; Acinonyx jubatus soemmerringi, in Northeast Africa; and Acinonyx jubatus venaticus, from Northern Africa to central India. Cheetahs are classified as Vulnerable, although the subspecies Acinonyx jubatus venaticus and Acinonyx jubatus heckii are listed as Critically Endangered. They can be found in dry forest, thick scrub, grassland and hyperarid deserts. They are only absent from montane and tropical forests. Cheetahs are mostly known as the fastest land mammals, however, they are only able to sustain top speeds for a few hundred meters. If they don't succeed at their hunt by then, they need to give up and rest, otherwise they overheat. Unlike other cat species, female cheetahs are solitary, accompanied only by their young, and males can be solitary or live in coalitions of two or three, usually consisting of brothers, but not necessarily.

Both of these baboons are rescued babies, and had to be rescued because they have lost their mothers, however, one is already a few months old, and the little one has recently arrived at the wildlife sanctuary. In spite of being little and still a bit afraid of the world, she is also very curious and loves to play, but always stays near her human caretakers. How adorable is she?! The Chacma Baboon (Papio ursinus), is one of the five species of baboons, along with the Yellow baboon (Papio cynocephalus), the Olive baboon (Papio anubis), the Guinea baboon (Papio papio), and the Hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas). With the exception of the Hamadryas Baboon, which also occurs in the southwestern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, they are all native to the African continent. The Chacma Baboon occurs all over southern Africa, up to the Zambezi valley, Caprivi, and southern Angola. Two subspecies of Chacma Baboon are recognized: Papio ursinus griseipes, occuring in south-west Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique; and Papio ursinus ursinus, occuring in all provinces of South Africa and throughout Namibia. They have the need to drink water daily, making water a limiting factor for their range, but they occupy subdesert and steppes, savanna, all types of woodland, montane regions, Cape Fynbos and Succulent Karoo. Chacma Baboons live in troops of usually 20 to 50 members, but up to 130 individuals have been recorded together. The troops contain adult males, females and the babies, and it has a complex social structure, and are ranked by dominance. Baboons are omnivorous and opportunistic, which means that they eat a little bit of everything, and will take whatever they can get their hands on, even though they might show a preference for bulbs, shoots, roots, seeds, and fruits. They can also eat fungi, lichen, invertebrates, small vertebrates and, occasionally, even small antelopes, or lambs and small stock, in some ranching areas. They are usually considered pests, for raiding crops and livestock, which makes people shoot and poison them. They are also hunted for bushmeat, captured for the pet trade and can be used for medical research, but victims of urbanization as well, getting hit by cars or electrocuted.

Baboons are considered pests in African countries, and will often get killed for it, leaving many babies orphaned... just look at how adorable this one is... how could anyone harm an animal?! The Chacma Baboon (Papio ursinus), is one of the five species of baboons, along with the Yellow baboon (Papio cynocephalus), the Olive baboon (Papio anubis), the Guinea baboon (Papio papio), and the Hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas). With the exception of the Hamadryas Baboon, which also occurs in the southwestern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, they are all native to the African continent. The Chacma Baboon occurs all over southern Africa, up to the Zambezi valley, Caprivi, and southern Angola. Two subspecies of Chacma Baboon are recognized: Papio ursinus griseipes, occuring in south-west Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique; and Papio ursinus ursinus, occuring in all provinces of South Africa and throughout Namibia. They have the need to drink water daily, making water a limiting factor for their range, but they occupy subdesert and steppes, savanna, all types of woodland, montane regions, Cape Fynbos and Succulent Karoo. Chacma Baboons live in troops of usually 20 to 50 members, but up to 130 individuals have been recorded together. The troops contain adult males, females and the babies, and it has a complex social structure, and are ranked by dominance. Baboons are omnivorous and opportunistic, which means that they eat a little bit of everything, and will take whatever they can get their hands on, even though they might show a preference for bulbs, shoots, roots, seeds, and fruits. They can also eat fungi, lichen, invertebrates, small vertebrates and, occasionally, even small antelopes, or lambs and small stock, in some ranching areas. They are usually considered pests, for raiding crops and livestock, which makes people shoot and poison them. They are also hunted for bushmeat, captured for the pet trade and can be used for medical research, but victims of urbanization as well, getting hit by cars or electrocuted.

This rescued Rock Dassie shares the enclosure with other rescued animals, but thinks it is the boss, and does not want to let other animals eat, even carnivores! Animals can have such strong personalities! The Rock Dassie (Procavia capensis), also known as the Rock Hyrax, or sometimes just Dassie, is a medium-sized mammal that occurs in Africa and the Middle East. It can be found in a wide variety of habitats, such as rainforests, arid deserts, from sea level to Mount Kenya, although they are typically associated with cliffs, boulders, and rocky outcrops, which gives it its name. Its great range means that there are many variations of the same species; in fact, 17 subspecies are recognized: Procavia capensis capensis (Cape Hyrax), Procavia capensis bamendae (Bamenda Highlands Rock Hyrax), Procavia capensis habessinica (Abyssinian Hyrax), Procavia capensis jayakari (Arabian Rock Hyrax), Procavia capensis johnstoni (Johnston's Hyrax), Procavia capensis matschiei (Tanzania Rock Hyrax), Procavia capensis ruficeps (Western Rock Hyrax), Procavia capensis syriaca (Syrian Hyrax), Procavia capensis welwitschii (Kakoveld Hyrax), Procavia capensis capillosa, Procavia capensis erlangeri, Procavia capensis jacksoni, Procavia capensis kerstingi, Procavia capensis mackinderi, Procavia capensis pallida, Procavia capensis scioana, and Procavia capensis sharica. It is, however, the sole extant member of the Procavia genus, but shares the Procaviidae family with the Southern Tree Hyrax (Dendrohyrax arboreus), the Western Tree Hyrax (Dendrohyrax dorsalis), the Eastern Tree Hyrax (Dendrohyrax validus), and the Yellow-spotted Rock Hyrax (Heterohyrax brucei). Rock Dassies are herbivores and eat a variety of grasses, forbs and shrubs, buds, fruits and berries. Adults may reach a length of 50 cm and weigh around 4 kg, although there is a subtle sexual dimorphism, and males are about 10% heavier than females. The color of their coat varies according to the habitat they live in, from dark brown in wetter environments, to light grey in desert areas.

These adorable babies lost their mothers to poachers, but were lucky enough to be rescued. Having to be hand-raised at a Wildlife Refuge, they have become very accustomed to people and, unfortunately, won't be able to be released back into the wild. Like so many young ones, although these cuties generally get along just fine, they compete for attention, which is not the easiest thing for their foster mom. As a mainly nocturnal animal, this 6-month-old Southern Tamandua(Tamandua tetradactyla) usually sleeps during the day, but every once in a while, especially on cooler days, she gets very active during the day, and when she wants you, it's really hard to convince her to leave you alone! Of course that, the more she grows, the more her claws grow, and she only gets stronger and stronger, so having her on you can be quite painful, but anteaters climb on their mothers' back until 6 months of age or so, so of course they want to do the same to their caretakers. She has quite a personality and is not easy to take care of, but who could resist this adorableness?!?! The Bolivian Red Howler (Alouatta sara) is a species of Howler Monkey that is endemic to Bolivia, which means that it can't be found anywhere else in the world, although it used to be considered a subspecies of Red Howler Monkey (Alouatta seniculus). The illegal wildlife trade is the third most valuable illicit commerce in the world, losing only to drugs and weapons. That, along with loss of habitat by deforestation, fires, etc., result in an enormous amount of animals in need of rescuing. Only 1 in 10 animals survive trafficking! Do not support the pet trade! Animals should be free!

These rescued baby baboons get taken on walks every day, and then have some free time to d whatever they feel like doing... most f them and to play, but some just want to rest and cuddle, but get picked on by others... it's fascinating how each animal has their own personality! The Chacma Baboon (Papio ursinus), is one of the five species of baboons, along with the Yellow baboon (Papio cynocephalus), the Olive baboon (Papio anubis), the Guinea baboon (Papio papio), and the Hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas). With the exception of the Hamadryas Baboon, which also occurs in the southwestern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, they are all native to the African continent. The Chacma Baboon occurs all over southern Africa, up to the Zambezi valley, Caprivi, and southern Angola. Two subspecies of Chacma Baboon are recognized: Papio ursinus griseipes, occuring in south-west Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique; and Papio ursinus ursinus, occuring in all provinces of South Africa and throughout Namibia. They have the need to drink water daily, making water a limiting factor for their range, but they occupy subdesert and steppes, savanna, all types of woodland, montane regions, Cape Fynbos and Succulent Karoo. Chacma Baboons live in troops of usually 20 to 50 members, but up to 130 individuals have been recorded together. The troops contain adult males, females and the babies, and it has a complex social structure, and are ranked by dominance. Baboons are omnivorous and opportunistic, which means that they eat a little bit of everything, and will take whatever they can get their hands on, even though they might show a preference for bulbs, shoots, roots, seeds, and fruits. They can also eat fungi, lichen, invertebrates, small vertebrates and, occasionally, even small antelopes, or lambs and small stock, in some ranching areas. They are usually considered pests, for raiding crops and livestock, which makes people shoot and poison them. They are also hunted for bushmeat, captured for the pet trade and can be used for medical research, but victims of urbanization as well, getting hit by cars or electrocuted.

This cheetah had to be rescued and now lives in a pre-release area. In spite of the area being really big, it is still an enclosed area, so the cheetah can't hunt, since there are no preys in there, which means that it still needs to get fed. Of course, feeding time is its favorite time, and it enjoys devouring its meaty lunch, like a wild carnivore! The Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), is native to Africa and Asia, although it has been extirpated from nearly all of its Asian range. They could once be found from the shores of the Mediterranean and the Arabian Peninsula, west through central India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and north to the northern shores of the Aral and Caspian Seas, but nowadays are limited to the central deserts of Iran. Although cheetahs still occur in several African countries, they now only occupy 10% of their historic range. Five subspecies are recognized: Acinonyx jubatus hecki, in Northwest Africa; Acinonyx jubatus earsoni, in East Africa; Acinonyx jubatus jubatus, in Southern Africa; Acinonyx jubatus soemmerringi, in Northeast Africa; and Acinonyx jubatus venaticus, from Northern Africa to central India. Cheetahs are classified as Vulnerable, although the subspecies Acinonyx jubatus venaticus and Acinonyx jubatus heckii are listed as Critically Endangered. They can be found in dry forest, thick scrub, grassland and hyperarid deserts. They are only absent from montane and tropical forests. Cheetahs are mostly known as the fastest land mammals, however, they are only able to sustain top speeds for a few hundred meters. If they don't succeed at their hunt by then, they need to give up and rest, otherwise they overheat. Unlike other cat species, female cheetahs are solitary, accompanied only by their young, and males can be solitary or live in coalitions of two or three, usually consisting of brothers, but not necessarily.

This adorable baby Vervet Monkey lost his mother, so he had to be rescued and cared for at a wildlife sanctuary. He may have had a sad start and will never be able to return to the wild, but that doesn't get in the way of his lovely personality. Grooming is a very important part of socializing and bonding, for non-human primates, so he loves it when a caretaker gives him a scratch, but he decided this weird position was the best one for it! Monkeys are so funny! The Vervet Monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) is an Old World monkey, which means that it belongs to the Cercopithecidae family, the largest of all primate families, comprising 138 species of primates. The term "vervet" is used to refer to all members of the Chlorocebus genus, although it is still debated whether there are several species or only one, with several subspecies. They are native to the African continent, and can be found as far north as Egypt, and as far south as South Africa. They occupy savanna, open woodland, and forest-grassland mosaic, preferably close to rivers, being generally absent from desert areas and deep forest. It's a common and abundant species; flexible and easily adapted to secondary and highly fragmented vegetation, including cultivated areas and rural and urban environments, where it is often considered a pest, which gets them hunted and shot, causing many babies to become orphaned. In some areas, they become bushmeat. Vervet Monkeys live in large troops of up to 38 individuals, with one dominant male. The females are usually related to one another, but many unrelated males may be present. With a life-span of 10 to 11 years, females become sexually mature at age four, and males at age five. They breed from April to June, and a single offspring is born five months later.

These siblings had to be rescued at a very early age and now have to live at a wildlife sanctuary. Cheetahs are not as social as lions, but they can still show each other some affection, every once in a while.

Warthogs absolutely love taking a mudbath after eating, and this young rescued one is no different! Look how happy he is!

This cheetah was rescued many years ago, and now, at old age, she barely has any teeth, so she needs to get chopped meat to be able to eat it. She is still very sweet most of the time and loves receiving visitors, longing for attention. She may not live in the wild, where she was supposed to be, but she got the best life she could! The Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), is native to Africa and Asia, although it has been extirpated from nearly all of its Asian range. They could once be found from the shores of the Mediterranean and the Arabian Peninsula, west through central India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and north to the northern shores of the Aral and Caspian Seas, but nowadays are limited to the central deserts of Iran. Although cheetahs still occur in several African countries, they now only occupy 10% of their historic range. Five subspecies are recognized: Acinonyx jubatus hecki, in Northwest Africa; Acinonyx jubatus earsoni, in East Africa; Acinonyx jubatus jubatus, in Southern Africa; Acinonyx jubatus soemmerringi, in Northeast Africa; and Acinonyx jubatus venaticus, from Northern Africa to central India. Cheetahs are classified as Vulnerable, although the subspecies Acinonyx jubatus venaticus and Acinonyx jubatus heckii are listed as Critically Endangered. They can be found in dry forest, thick scrub, grassland and hyperarid deserts. They are only absent from montane and tropical forests. Cheetahs are mostly known as the fastest land mammals, however, they are only able to sustain top speeds for a few hundred meters. If they don't succeed at their hunt by then, they need to give up and rest, otherwise they overheat. Unlike other cat species, female cheetahs are solitary, accompanied only by their young, and males can be solitary or live in coalitions of two or three, usually consisting of brothers, but not necessarily.

All children like to play, and not being the same species does not get in the way of that. How heartwarming it is to watch these two rescued antelopes running around and playing with each other?!

These cheetahs had to be rescued, rehabilitated at a wildlife sanctuary, and now live in a pre-release area, waiting to get released back into the wild, where they belong. They still need to get fed, which means that they do not hunt, so they need to chase the car in order to get the food and exercise a little. Also, because it is such a big area, sometimes it takes a very long time for all of them to arrive. The Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), is native to Africa and Asia, although it has been extirpated from nearly all of its Asian range. They could once be found from the shores of the Mediterranean and the Arabian Peninsula, west through central India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and north to the northern shores of the Aral and Caspian Seas, but nowadays are limited to the central deserts of Iran. Although cheetahs still occur in several African countries, they now only occupy 10% of their historic range. Five subspecies are recognized: Acinonyx jubatus hecki, in Northwest Africa; Acinonyx jubatus earsoni, in East Africa; Acinonyx jubatus jubatus, in Southern Africa; Acinonyx jubatus soemmerringi, in Northeast Africa; and Acinonyx jubatus venaticus, from Northern Africa to central India. Cheetahs are classified as Vulnerable, although the subspecies Acinonyx jubatus venaticus and Acinonyx jubatus heckii are listed as Critically Endangered. They can be found in dry forest, thick scrub, grassland and hyperarid deserts. They are only absent from montane and tropical forests. Cheetahs are mostly known as the fastest land mammals, however, they are only able to sustain top speeds for a few hundred meters. If they don't succeed at their hunt by then, they need to give up and rest, otherwise they overheat. Unlike other cat species, female cheetahs are solitary, accompanied only by their young, and males can be solitary or live in coalitions of two or three, usually consisting of brothers, but not necessarily.

This cheetah had to be rescued and now lives at a wildlife sanctuary. The best part about, is getting fed without having to work for it... isn't that the dream?! The Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), is native to Africa and Asia, although it has been extirpated from nearly all of its Asian range. They could once be found from the shores of the Mediterranean and the Arabian Peninsula, west through central India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and north to the northern shores of the Aral and Caspian Seas, but nowadays are limited to the central deserts of Iran. Although cheetahs still occur in several African countries, they now only occupy 10% of their historic range. Five subspecies are recognized: Acinonyx jubatus hecki, in Northwest Africa; Acinonyx jubatus earsoni, in East Africa; Acinonyx jubatus jubatus, in Southern Africa; Acinonyx jubatus soemmerringi, in Northeast Africa; and Acinonyx jubatus venaticus, from Northern Africa to central India. Cheetahs are classified as Vulnerable, although the subspecies Acinonyx jubatus venaticus and Acinonyx jubatus heckii are listed as Critically Endangered. They can be found in dry forest, thick scrub, grassland and hyperarid deserts. They are only absent from montane and tropical forests. Cheetahs are mostly known as the fastest land mammals, however, they are only able to sustain top speeds for a few hundred meters. If they don't succeed at their hunt by then, they need to give up and rest, otherwise they overheat. Unlike other cat species, female cheetahs are solitary, accompanied only by their young, and males can be solitary or live in coalitions of two or three, usually consisting of brothers, but not necessarily.

This adorable baby baboon had to be rescued when it was still very little. But baboons are social animals, which means that they love being around their carers, and grooming is one of the most important part of creating a bond. The Chacma Baboon (Papio ursinus), is one of the five species of baboons, along with the Yellow baboon (Papio cynocephalus), the Olive baboon (Papio anubis), the Guinea baboon (Papio papio), and the Hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas). With the exception of the Hamadryas Baboon, which also occurs in the southwestern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, they are all native to the African continent. The Chacma Baboon occurs all over southern Africa, up to the Zambezi valley, Caprivi, and southern Angola. Two subspecies of Chacma Baboon are recognized: Papio ursinus griseipes, occuring in south-west Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique; and Papio ursinus ursinus, occuring in all provinces of South Africa and throughout Namibia. They have the need to drink water daily, making water a limiting factor for their range, but they occupy subdesert and steppes, savanna, all types of woodland, montane regions, Cape Fynbos and Succulent Karoo. Chacma Baboons live in troops of usually 20 to 50 members, but up to 130 individuals have been recorded together. The troops contain adult males, females and the babies, and it has a complex social structure, and are ranked by dominance. Baboons are omnivorous and opportunistic, which means that they eat a little bit of everything, and will take whatever they can get their hands on, even though they might show a preference for bulbs, shoots, roots, seeds, and fruits. They can also eat fungi, lichen, invertebrates, small vertebrates and, occasionally, even small antelopes, or lambs and small stock, in some ranching areas. They are usually considered pests, for raiding crops and livestock, which makes people shoot and poison them. They are also hunted for bushmeat, captured for the pet trade and can be used for medical research, but victims of urbanization as well, getting hit by cars or electrocuted.

These Mitred Parakeets (Psittacara mitratus) are some of the two hundred parrots that were rescued after being taken from the wild to be illegally sold in the black market. Considering that only 1 in 10 animals survive trafficking, you can imagine how many have died so that people could have them in their homes. They now live in a large aviary, at a rescue center, where they live the best life they can under the circumstances, but it will never be like it was supposed to. Parakeets are small and medium-sized species of parrot, from multiple genera, that have long tail feathers, in general. The term "conure" is used for small to medium-sized parakeets of the genera Aratinga, Pyrrhura, and a few other genera of the tribe Arini, which are mainly endemic to South America, but taxonomists tend to avoid the term because they are not all in the same genus. Parrots, macaws, parakeets, and parrotlets belong to the Psittacidae family, the one with the most species at risk of extinction of all the bird families. In the last few centuries, several species have gone extinct. All species are found in tropical and subtropical zones. Psittacids are some of the most intelligent birds, with a highly developed brain, and can imitate all sorts of sounds. Some species can live for over fifty years. They generally mate for life, choosing their partner when they are still young, and share chores, preparing the nest together. The male feeds the female while she is nesting, and they both care for the chicks. Parakeets often breed more readily in groups, as the presence of other parakeets encourages a pair to breed. After drugs and weapons, the illegal wildlife trade is the third most valuable illicit commerce in the world. Do not support the pet trade; do not buy wildlife products! Wild animals should be wild and free!