Wildlife encounters can be unpredictable and thrilling, especially when they involve one of the fastest animals on the planet—the cheetah. In Namibia, a group of rangers and guests experienced a surprising interaction with a cheetah, demonstrating the unique bond that can form between humans and wildlife. This video of the rangers getting the cheetah to meow, rewarded with a tasty treat, quickly went viral, gaining over 9 million views on TikTok.
Cheetah Approaches
While on a drive in Namibia, rangers and guests come across a cheetah in the grass. Stopping the vehicle, the cheetah approached the vehicle. At first, this may have appeared to be a dangerous situation where a wild cheetah approached the humans looking for a snack, ending in a potential disaster. However, this close encounter was not what it appeared to be at first.
A Friendly Visit

While the driver remained calm, the other ranger began to talk to the cheetah as if they were old friends. It quickly became clear that this was a familiar encounter. The driver made sure not to provoke the cheetah, moving his arm out of the way after noticing the cheetah’s intention to hop onto the front door of the vehicle.
The Cheetah Whisperer
One of the rangers began softly meowing at the cheetah, enticing it to respond back with its own meow. Similar to what you would do to get your domestic cat to meow back, this ranger executed a very accurate imitation of a cheetah’s meow. While it took a few tries, the cheetah finally gave in, letting out a soft meow.
Amused Guests

Like the millions of viewers on TikTok, the guests in the vehicle couldn’t help but laugh at the cheetah’s adorable meow, hearts melting in the process. This demonstrated a trust and familiarity between the ranger and cheetah as if having an everyday conversation, starting with “How are you doing?” This meowing appeared to be a kind of party trick that occurs often between the rangers and the cheetah to amuse the visitors.
The Snack That Started It All
It soon became clear what had caught the cheetah’s interest in the first place. Keen on a snack, the cheetah was less interested in the humans in the vehicle and much more focused on the piece of meat in one of the rangers’ hands. In fact, cheetahs are usually very shy and avoid contact with humans. Cheetahs have no interest in hunting humans—there has never been a recorded case of a cheetah attacking humans in the wild. Using the meat as a pointing stick, the ranger teased the meat to get the cheetah to move to the right and into a better position.
The Hungry Predator

Teasing the piece of meat to the cheetah, the ranger stuck the meat outside the vehicle, over the front door. Hungry for its snack, the cheetah’s animal instincts kicked in, attacking the piece of meat with its paw, letting out its ferocity in a growl. This demonstrated how quickly a cheetah can strike while serving as a reminder to the guests in the vehicle and viewers online that it’s still a wild animal.
A Picky Eater
Eyes stuck on the piece of meat, this cheetah was not yet ready to give up on its snack. The driver tried to reward the cheetah with a small piece of meat. But the cheetah just watched the small piece fall to the ground, clearly not meeting its satisfaction. It wanted the big one and wouldn’t settle for anything less!
Licking the Bowl Clean

Then the driver started opening his door, which got viewers holding their heads in anticipation and asking, “What are you doing!” Even the cheetah was confused by the driver’s move, peering inside the vehicle and giving a quick growl. Opening and closing the door a few until in the right position, the driver stood up and brought out a white bucket, presumably used to carry the meat. While the cheetah seemed frustrated at first for the delay on its meat, it was quick to start licking up all the bloody juices sitting at the bottom of the bucket. Almost like a pre-appetizer cocktail, giving the cheetah just a taste.
The Ultimate Reward

After licking the bucket clean, the ranger gifted the cheetah with the main meal, throwing the piece of meat a few yards away. The cheetah was quick to hop on its snack, especially after all the fun and games.
Privacy Please
After it had got what it came for, the cheetah stalked back through the grass away from the vehicle. Again, cheetahs are very shy and try to avoid humans. It doesn’t like to eat with a crowd watching, so it will take the snack to a more secluded, private spot where it can enjoy its meal in peace—it certainly earned it!
The Story Behind the Cheetah

This video features a unique encounter with a rescued cheetah living in a large enclosure. Raised by rangers, the cheetah cannot return to the wild but has retained its natural instincts, ensuring it remains untamed. Despite the bond formed with the rangers, who respect its predatory nature, the relationship is based on mutual respect and understanding. The rangers provide care while allowing the cheetah to maintain its wild behaviors, highlighting the fascinating connection that can exist between humans and wildlife without domestication.
Protecting the Fastest Cat

Cheetahs are among the easier big cats to tame due to their docile nature, but it’s best for them to live wild and free. While many rescue centers aim to rehabilitate and release cheetahs, some cannot return to the wild, necessitating safe human interaction. These trained cheetahs help raise awareness about conservation and the threats they face, such as habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal trade. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation, anti-poaching measures, and community-based programs to protect cheetah populations and ensure their survival in the wild.
Conclusion
This remarkable encounter in Namibia not only highlights the unique bond between humans and a rescued cheetah but also underscores the importance of conservation efforts. By understanding and respecting these beautiful animals, we can contribute to their survival in the wild.
- Animals Throw Party and Trash Home While Owner Is Away - February 5, 2025
- Enraged Elephant’s Charge Turns Student Safari into a Dramatic Escape - February 4, 2025
- Adorable Tiny Kitten Sleeps Like a Human Goes Viral For His Overwhelming Cuteness - February 4, 2025