COLLABORATORS

∼ Johan Wessels, BSc (Agri) BVSc, Pret 1992, South Africa

∼ Brigitta Wessels, BVSc, Pret 1991, South Africa

DNA Sampling, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

~ Karen Ehlers, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science
Karen Ehlers was instrumental in compiling a National Genetic Database for cheetahs.

International Cheetah Studbook Keeper, Otjiwarongo, Namibia

~ Dr. Laurie Marker

Dr. Antle’s team

~ Dr. Bhagavan Antle

~ Dr. Sherri Duncan, DVM
In 1988, three months after graduating from veterinary school, Sherri Reid Duncan opened her own animal hospital, where she served as veterinarian, receptionist and technician. Working seven days a week, Dr. Duncan took her first one-day vacation three years later. After another year and a half she hired one more veterinarian. Today, Dr. Duncan’s veterinary hospitals in Murrells Inlet and Georgetown, South Carolina, employ eight doctors and 36 staff members. In part, she attributes this impressive growth to laser treatment.

Dogs and cats comprise most of the hospitals’ clientele, but more unusual animals, like rabbits, hamsters, snakes and lizards, are also treated here – be laser. Birds are especially suitable candidates for laser treatment, as they simply cannot afford to loose too much blood. With her portable laser in tow, Dr. Duncan also treats tigers, ligers (lion father, tiger mother), primates and bears.

Grass Analysis

~ Erika Schulze, B.Sc Agric
Erika Schulze is from the Free State Department of Tourism, Environmental and Economic Affairs. She has analysed all of the grass species we have on the Savannah, and assessed our stock capabilities.

Tiger Safari, INC, Oklahoma, USA

~ Bill Meadows

~ Patti Maness, DVM, TAMU 1981, USA

~ Kimberly Weiss, DVM, OSU 1999, USA
Dr. Weiss has always had a special interest in exotic animals. She grew up in Hawaii, on the island of Oahu. There she started her career path by volunteeringat the Honolulu Zoo for several years. After graduating from Hawaii School for Girls, she moved to Los Angeles, California where she earned her first A.S. degree in Exotic Animal Training and Management in 1987. She proceeded to be the Assistant manager of the Playboy Mansion Zoo. Her second A.S in Veterinary Technology saw her through three jobs at once. Kimberly was the Manager of Berry Gordy's (Motown Records founder) private animal collection. The Manager of Wildlife on Wheels, an educational rehabilitation facility, and the veterinary technician for International Bird Research and Rescue Centre. A veteran of 15 oil spills along the west coast saving thousands of oiled sea birds with the rescue team from 1989-1994. After moving to Oklahoma, Kimberly earned her Bachelors of Science in 1996 and DVM in 1999 from Oklahoma State University. Currently she practices at Southside Dog, Cat, and Bird Clinic in OKC, OK. For the last five years Kimberly also is the vet for Little River Zoo in Norman, OK. They boast a large collection of primates, kangaroos, birds, reptiles, hoof stock, black bears, and small cats such as lynx, servals, bobcats, and mountain lions. About two years ago Kimberly joined a team of vets who volunteer their time at Tiger Safari in Tuttle, OK. This lead to the recent trip which was embarked upon by the group from Tiger Safari to South Africa with the expressed intent on helping the Savannah Cheetah Foundation. After returning to the United States, Kimberly has maintained contact with the Foundation so she can help them on their endeavours of one day releasing cheetahs back into the wild.

~ J.T. Walker, DVM, OSU 2004, USA
Dr. Walker is originally from Newcastle, Oklahoma where he spent his first two years in a mixed animal practice, Professional Animal Health Centre. In March of 2006, Dr. Walker made a change to companion animal practice at University Animal Hospital in Norman, Oklahoma. Dr. Walker’s accomplishments include being named the 2007 Young Veterinarian of the Year by the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association and 2004 Outstanding Surgery Student in both Large and Small Animal, the first student to ever receive both awards. Dr. Walker first began working with exotic cats while in Newcastle and has continued that work since his career change, developing a true passion for the care of these beautiful animals.

Tick Research

∼ Whitey Cilliers, B.Sc Agric, MA Animal Patology
We are working closely with the Department of Zoology and
Entomology of the University of the Free State. Currently one of their postgraduate students, Whitey Cilliers, is doing a comprehensive study, over a period of a year, of the proposed area for phase two. He is studying the ticks and nymphs in the area, and is assessing the safety of placing the cheetahs and their suitable prey species into the area. His work will be completed in March 2008.