Although once widespread in Asia and Africa, cheetah populations are now isolated to the savannahs and grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa, according to the World Wildlife Foundation. What’s more, cheetahs have become extinct in at least 13 countries since 1940, as reported by the nonprofit Action for Cheetahs, which is dedicated to the conservation of the big cats.

Mary Wykstra, one of the founders of Action for Cheetahs, will present the status of the organization’s projects Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. in Pathology Room 101 on the main CSU campus.

Action for Cheetahs

Action for Cheetahs is based in Kenya and works with local and international partners to promote the conservation of cheetahs through research, awareness and community efforts.

Wykstra was born in Michigan, but found her calling to save this species from the brink of extinction at Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, Michigan, where she began caring for cheetahs in 1989.

Wykstra will also host a market of fair-trade African crafts before and after her talk to help raise funds for Action for Cheetahs.

This talk is hosted by CSU graduate students in Zoo, Aquarium and Animal Shelter Management. Refreshments will be provided by the Department of Biology.

More information

Wykstra’s talk is free, open to the public and no registration is required. Contact Jennie Willis for more details.