Tiny Tim as a cub
Here at meowbox, we love kitties big and small. That's why this month, as part of our One Box Can program, we are sponsoring a cheetah through the Cheetah Conservation Fund!
Images courtesy of the Cheetah Conservation Fund.
About the Cheetah Conservation Fund
The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) was founded in Namibia in 1990 by Dr. Laurie Marker. Before founding CCF, Dr. Marker worked for 16 years at Wildlife Safari in the United States, where she established the most successful captive cheetah-breeding program in North America.
On a trip to Namibia in 1977, Dr. Marker learned that livestock farmers were trapping and killing hundreds of cheetahs. Later research showed that in the 1980s, more than 7,000 cheetahs were killed, reducing Namibia's population by half.
Alongside researchers at the Smithsonian Institution and the National Cancer Institute, Dr. Marker discovered the species' dangerously low genetic diversity, including poor sperm quality and disease suitability. This explained the challenges of captive cheetah-breeding.
Determined to protect cheetahs in the wild, Dr. Marker chose newly independent Namibia as the home of CCF. She left her position at the Smithsonian, moved into a modest farmhouse, and launched the organization with little more than an old Land Rover purchased from selling her belongings. Her vision led to one of the world's leading cheetah conservation organizations.
Since then, Dr. Marker and her team have expanded to an 1,800 acre forest reserve located in Geed-Deeble, Somaliland. The reserve features 5-12 acre enclosures that provide a naturalistic environment for the cheetahs. These spacious fenced-in enclosures are essential to the animal’s well-being and rehabilitation, allowing freedom of movement and play. Also on the premises are a veterinary clinic, lab, cub nursery and an emergency quarantine area.
Tiny Tim
Why we chose Tiny Tim
While we would love to sponsor every cheetah in CCF’s care, our team felt an especially strong connection to Tiny Tim.
The mission statement of our business is "We care about the little guys," and Tiny Tim is a sweet reminder of why. He may be small, but his playful and adventurous personality makes a big impression!
Tiny Tim and his siblings
Tiny Tim has a distinctive look that makes him easy to recognize. His eyes are more hooded than his siblings', giving him an adorable, downturned expression that makes him look a little sad. His ears are often sticking out in different directions due to playful chewing from his siblings.
Despite his meek appearance, Tiny Tim is full of energy and loves to play! He often ends up at the bottom of the pile during roughhousing with his siblings but comes back for more. He loves being with his siblings, especially his sister Marline. During carcass feeds, Tiny Tim is usually happy to share... until it comes to the bones!
Tiny Tim's story
Courtesy of CCF:
"Tiny Tim was rescued from the illegal wildlife trade on February 19, 2025, when he was just a few weeks old (estimated to have been born in January 2025). He [and his] three siblings [had been] confiscated by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) and transferred [as a group] to the Cheetah Rescue and Conservation Centre (CRCC) in Geed-Deeble to be rehabilitated. When Tiny Tim arrived at the CRCC, he was very malnourished and staff were concerned about his small size. Fortunately, he was stabilized by the veterinary team and began his rehabilitation.
"Tiny Tim and his siblings [Kelce, Little Paws and Marline] were nicknamed the Abdullahi Group. As a cub, Tiny Tim was very playful and inquisitive, and very close to his siblings, especially his sister Marline. In May 2025, Tiny Tim and his siblings were introduced to the Pop Stars, two cheetah cubs approximately the same age (named Taylor Swift and Khalid), rescued in April 2025. After the successful introduction, the six orphaned cubs formed a bonded group, helping to simulate the natural learning process that occurs in the wild.
"In May 2026, Tiny Tim aged out of the cub area adjacent to the CRCC’s clinic, and was relocated to a much larger and wilder enclosure. At the CRCC, cheetahs are moved out of the cub area when they are approximately 18 months old, the age they would typically separate from their mothers in the wild. At this time, male and female cats are separated too.
"Today, Tiny Tim lives in a group of eight adolescent male cheetahs, including his brother Kelce. In the wild, male siblings typically remain together after separating from their mother, forming a group known as a coalition. These sibling coalitions provide strength in numbers, offering added protection from other predators, and helping to boost hunting success.
"Tiny Tim was diagnosed with a missing femoral head on his left hind leg. He is still active and playful, and his condition is managed with regular joint supplements and anti-inflammatory medications (when needed). The veterinary team at the CRCC does regular diagnostic monitoring to assess his condition. Staff also track his activity, including enrichment, to prevent injuries."
Tiny Tim in his new enclosure
Q&A with the Cheetah Conservation Fund
We were lucky enough to connect with Jess Sorrentino, CCF's Development Associate, to learn more about our sponsored cheetah, Tiny Tim!
Can you tell us the story of how Tiny Tim came to CCF?
"Tiny Tim was confiscated with 3 other cubs (Kelce, Marline & Little Paws) at about 7 to 8 weeks old."
How would you describe Tiny Tim's personality in three words?
"Confident, curious and playful."
What is something about Tiny Tim that's not included in his online bio?
"He is missing a femoral head [the highest part of the thigh bone] on one of his legs and he has white spots on both hind legs, which is how keepers recognize him."
Has Tiny Tim done anything recently that was especially funny, cheeky, cute, or memorable?
"Not particularly, but he loves cuddling with his coalition-mates and grooming after meals!"
Tiny Tim and his coalition
Many thanks to Jess and the CCF team for telling us more about their amazing work protecting the cheetah from extinction.