The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre was officially launched on 16th April 1971, and now 52 years later, the Centre is proud to announce the official opening of a museum in honour of the legendary Ann van Dyk. This took place on 15th April 2023, honouring her role in cheetah conservation.
The project took many months to complete and would not have been possible without the generous donation from Howard Buffett, who has over the years been an avid supporter of Ann and her cheetahs.
The museum was designed and laid out by Marilyn Hull and special thanks go to Ronaldo of Visual Exposure for the printing and many of the displays which were supplied with large discounts. It was a mammoth task and we are grateful to each and everyone who assisted and that would include Buco for their donation of paint for the museum.
The event was well attended by media and many of the people who have left their mark on the Centre over the years, we are indebted to you all, those that could be with us to share the day as well as those who are far afield and could not make it. We salute you for your part in our history.
Guests to the Centre will now be able to visit the museum as part of the tour, an opportunity to witness the amazing achievements of Ann van Dyk.
“The dramatic effect of the fire gave me cause to reassess the need for cheetah breeding. Was it really so necessary? Was the world in need of so many animal species when it could barely feed the human population? But the more I questioned the stronger became my conviction.
Yes, it all had to continue. If the cheetah had survived on this planet for over a million years, this present generation had all the more reason to preserve the cats’ existence. But it would have to be a breed of cheetah that was geared to the 21st century: a breed whose survival would depend on its acceptance of a controlled environment and restricted habitat. Sadly, a breed that would never be able to experience the complete freedom its ancestors had known in the past.”
Ann van Dyk
Founder De Wildt Cheetah Centre
To make a booking for either yourself or a group please reach out to our marketing & pr lady, she’ll be able to make a booking with you. Alternatively complete the Booking Form below.
