Sasha’s journey began as a six-month-old cub near the Botswana border. A farmer, noticing a sheep carcass with cheetah tracks, grew concerned. Sasha’s mother, suspected to have been shot, left him alone to fend for himself. Hunger drove him to prey on sheep, his condition deteriorating. 

Treated by a vet and moved to a cheetah custodian, Sasha began the process of bonding with other male cheetahs (Coalition). In February 2013, Sasha stepped into the Monate Reserve, slowly reclaiming his wildness.

In September 2013, a wildebeest almost took Sasha’s life. His left hind leg shattered leaving him to endure amputation followed by intensive medical care. EWT (Endangered Wildlife Trust Home) sought a permanent home for Sasha, and LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary opened its gates. 

Sasha now finds freedom in his spacious species-appropriate enclosure and is unhindered by his amputation. He travels with haste, living up to his cheetah spirit.