A new Discovery Channel documentary, Return of the Cheetah Part 2, takes viewers deep into the Horn of Africa, where conservationists, filmmakers and rugged terrain collide in a race to save one of Africa’s most endangered big cats.
Premiering globally on 20 December, the film documents a real life rescue operation aimed at dismantling illegal cheetah cub trafficking networks and protecting the species from extinction.
Inside the rescue mission
Filmed across Somaliland and Namibia, the documentary follows a complex wildlife rescue led by the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) in partnership with JETOUR AUTO. At the heart of the operation is the interception of cheetah cubs stolen from the wild and destined for the illegal exotic pet trade.
According to CCF research, hundreds of cubs are trafficked from the Horn of Africa each year. Fewer than one in five survive the journey. Each successful rescue represents a rare victory for a species whose population continues to decline at an alarming rate.
A critical hub for cheetah conservation
The mission centres on CCF’s Cheetah Rescue and Conservation Centre in the Horn of Africa, which provides emergency care, rehabilitation and long term sanctuary for confiscated cheetahs. The facility currently cares for more than 125 rescued cheetahs, making it the largest operation of its kind globally.
Since expanding operations to Somaliland in 2016, CCF has worked alongside local authorities to disrupt smuggling routes, rescue cubs from dire conditions and reduce demand for cheetahs as pets. The documentary captures the intensity of this work and the fragile condition of many of the animals upon arrival.
CCF founder and executive director Dr Laurie Marker explains the urgency of the mission, saying every rescue brings the species one step back from the brink.
Extreme terrain and the role of technology
Much of the rescue work takes place in remote regions with limited infrastructure, harsh climates and difficult terrain. Poaching networks operate far from main roads, often in areas that are nearly inaccessible.
Throughout the expedition, the JETOUR G700 SUV proved essential. Its all terrain capabilities supported the transport of supplies, personnel and equipment across unforgiving landscapes, allowing teams to reach areas that would otherwise be inaccessible.
Image: Supplied
Conservation with a global audience
Return of the Cheetah Part 2 forms part of JETOUR’s Wilderness Documentary initiative, created to raise awareness around endangered species protection. Filmed by a Discovery Channel crew, the documentary blends conservation storytelling with on the ground realities, highlighting both the resilience of the cheetahs and the people fighting for their survival.
Presented by internationally renowned naturalist Hazen Audel, the film explores why cheetahs matter beyond their beauty and speed.
Why cheetahs matter
As apex predators, cheetahs play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance. Their presence supports biodiversity and strengthens the resilience of arid landscapes already under pressure from climate change.
Dr Marker notes that cheetahs now occupy just nine percent of their historic range. Habitat loss, human wildlife conflict and the illegal pet trade continue to push the species closer to extinction. Protecting cheetahs is not only an ecological priority but also an economic one, particularly for countries like Namibia where conservation supports tourism and sustainable livelihoods.
More than a documentary
Beyond the rescues, the film delivers a broader message about humanity’s relationship with nature and the shared responsibility to protect vulnerable species. It also highlights CCF’s expanded education and training initiatives in Somaliland, which focus on community engagement and long term conservation solutions.
International Broadcast Schedule
(All times local to region)
Discovery SEA | 20 Dec | 19:35
Animal Planet SEA | 20 Dec | 20:30
Discovery Middle East | 20 Dec | 21:00
Discovery Africa | 20 Dec | 20:30
Animal Planet LATAM | 21 Dec | 20:00
Discovery LATAM | 22 Dec | 19:30
Streaming access is expected via Discovery+ and Max in 2026, depending on region.
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