Action for Cheetahs in Kenya

What Action for Cheetahs in Kenya does

Action for Cheetahs in Kenya (ACK) is a non-profit conservation organization founded in 2009 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. Its mission is to promote cheetah conservation through research, awareness, and community participation in Kenya, operating in a context where the national cheetah population is estimated at fewer than 1,400 individuals and the global population at approximately 7,000. The organization is structured as a project under Carnivores, Livelihoods and Landscapes (CaLL), a US-based 501(c)(3) that provides the administrative and tax-deductible fundraising framework.

ACK delivers its work through three core programs — Scat Dogs (specially trained detection dogs used to locate cheetah scat for non-invasive DNA and dietary analysis), COOL Crafts (a community economic-development initiative that markets craft products from local artisans), and Ginger's Hope (a Samburu-region rabies vaccination and education campaign). Supporting programs include the Gr8 Cheetah Census citizen-science sighting platform, volunteer and internship placements, and outreach to communities (school programs, baraza meetings, farmer education) in areas such as Salama, Athi Kapiti, Kiu North, and Samburu.

The business model is donation-led and operates as a hybrid of three revenue streams: (1) donations — the primary income — accepted globally via PayPal, Venmo, Square, and check with structured tiers from $10 to $1,000 across general operating, Ginger's Hope, and Scat Dogs funds; (2) merchandise sales through a direct-to-consumer e-commerce shop selling apparel ($20–$65), drinkware ($25–$42), co-branded Rockwell watches ($150–$375), and community-produced Kichaka Poa Crafts ($8–$26); and (3) Adventure Safaris — conservation-based Kenya trips marketed in partnership with RAW Africa Eco-Tours. Ancillary channels include an annual Cheetah Soirée fundraiser in La Jolla, California ($40 GA), speaking engagements, and a multi-platform social and email presence. ACK works operationally with Kenya Wildlife Service on collaring and snare removal, with Cheetah Conservation Fund on education and internships, and with a network of US zoo/aquarium supporters (Aquarium of the Pacific, Santa Ana Zoo, Living Coast Discovery Center, among others).

Name

Action for Cheetahs in Kenya

Legal name

Action for Cheetahs in Kenya

Website

https://actionforcheetahs.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Action for Cheetahs in Kenya is a Nairobi-based non-profit that advances cheetah conservation through field research, community outreach, and education in Kenya, funded primarily by donations, e-commerce merchandise, and conservation-focused safari partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wildlife Conservation

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

akta.pro primary industry

Wildlife Conservation & Species Protection (BPAGAGAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Conservation & Human–Wildlife Conflict Mitigation (BPAGAIAI), Advocacy, Policy & Public Awareness (Animal Welfare) (BPAGAIAJ), Education & Community Outreach (Responsible Pet Ownership) (BPAGAIAK), Spay/Neuter & Population Control Programs (BPAGAIAE), Veterinary Charity Clinics & Medical Aid (BPAGAIAD), Animal Welfare & Advocacy Organizations (AFAEALAC)

Keywords

• Cheetah conservation
• Wildlife conservation
• Community outreach
• Field research
• Citizen science

Headquarters

HQ city

Nairobi

HQ country

Kenya

HQ region

Africa

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations: Individual and organizational donations supporting cheetah conservation programs. Donations can be made via PayPal, Venmo, Square, or check. Funds are applied toward ACK's mission and programs.
2. Merchandise Sales: E-commerce sales of branded merchandise including apparel, drinkware, accessories, and crafts. Products include t-shirts ($20-$40), hoodies ($42-$65), watches ($150-$375), and COOL Crafts items supporting community artisans.
3. Adventure Safaris: Conservation-based safari trips to Kenya designed for wildlife professionals and enthusiasts. Partnered with RAW Africa Eco-Tours for trip design and delivery.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Action for Cheetahs in Kenya is a non-profit conservation organization that protects cheetahs in Kenya through field research (including an innovative scat detection dog program for DNA analysis), community outreach programs (COOL Crafts artisan livelihoods, Ginger's Hope rabies vaccination campaign), the Gr8 Cheetah Census citizen science initiative, school and farmer education, and volunteer/intern placements. The organization is funded primarily through individual donations, branded merchandise sales, and conservation-focused adventure safaris offered in partnership with RAW Africa Eco-Tours.

Product overview

Action for Cheetahs in Kenya operates as a conservation nonprofit offering multiple interconnected programs: three core conservation initiatives (Scat Dogs, COOL Crafts, and Ginger's Hope), a citizen science program (Gr8 Cheetah Census), experiential offerings (Adventure Safaris), and a retail merchandise shop. The Scat Dogs program uses detection dogs for cheetah research, COOL Crafts supports community livelihoods through artisan products, and Ginger's Hope focuses on rabies vaccination in Samburu. The merchandise shop includes apparel, drinkware, crafts, and co-branded Rockwell watches. Donations and volunteer programs support all initiatives, creating a unified conservation ecosystem.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Scat Dogs Program Program deploying trained scat detection dogs to locate cheetah scat for non-invasive genetic and dietary analysis, supporting cheetah research and conservation monitoring in Kenya.
• COOL Crafts Community development program supporting individuals to earn income through craft-making skills, creating sustainable livelihoods while promoting cheetah conservation awareness in Kenya.
• Ginger's Hope Rabies vaccination campaign supporting Samburu communities by providing educational resources and facilitating vaccination drives for local people and their animals.
• Gr8 Cheetah Census Citizen science initiative enabling the public to contribute cheetah sightings, photographs, and data to help track and protect cheetah populations across Kenya.
• Adventure Safaris Conservation-based safari experiences in Kenya combining stays at safari camps, work with the Samburu tribe, and hands-on participation in conservation activities, offered in partnership with RAW Africa Eco-Tours.
• Merchandise Shop Online e-commerce store selling cheetah-themed apparel, drinkware, accessories, puzzles, notebooks, stickers, bags, and COOL Crafts artisan items, with proceeds supporting conservation programs.
• ACK-Branded Rockwell Watches Co-branded cheetah-themed Rockwell watches designed with ACK board member Jameson Weston and Rockwell Time, with purchase proceeds supporting research and outreach in Kenya.
• Kichaka Poa Crafts Handcrafted African animal figurines, napkin rings, cocktail sticks, yoga ornaments, and wine corks made by local artisans, supporting community income generation.
• Volunteer and Intern Programs Hands-on conservation, research, and community outreach placements for volunteers, students, and recent graduates, covering habitat monitoring, education outreach, and field research in Kenya.
• Donation Programs Multi-tier donation programs including the general operating fund, Ginger's Hope rabies campaign, and Scat Dogs support, with giving levels ranging from $10 to $1,000 plus custom amounts.

Quantifiable outcome

• ACK estimated 29 adult cheetahs in the Salama/Athi Kapiti study area in 2006
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Mangelsen-Images of Nature GalleryminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 September 2026Venue host for 3rd Annual Cheetah Soirée event in La Jolla, California. Provides gallery space for fundraising event featuring conservation presentations, silent auctions, and community gathering.
• Piper & Heath TravelminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 September 2026Sponsor for 3rd Annual Cheetah Soirée event, supporting ACK's fundraising efforts through event sponsorship.
• RAW Africa Eco-TourscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with RAW Africa Eco-Tours designs and delivers conservation-focused travel experiences in Kenya. The partnership combines ACK's conservation expertise with RAW's tour operations for adventure safaris that include staying at safari camps, working with Samburu tribe, and participating in conservation efforts.
• Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerACK works with Kenya Wildlife Service on cheetah collaring, snare removal, community meetings, and necropsies. KWS assists in locating collared cheetahs and collaborates on conservation initiatives.
• Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternships and conservation programs conducted in collaboration with Cheetah Conservation Fund and Kenya Wildlife Service. CCF provides education about human-wildlife conflict and cheetah conservation to local communities.
• Soysambu Raptor ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation activities at Soysambu Conservancy as part of adventure safari itinerary, providing exposure to broader conservation work in Kenya.
• Grevy's Zebra TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation activities in Samburu region as part of adventure safari itinerary, supporting broader wildlife conservation efforts.
• Aquarium of the PacificminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonor organization supporting ACK's conservation work and mission.
• Free Flight Bird SanctuaryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonor organization supporting ACK's conservation work.
• Santa Ana ZoominorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonor organization supporting ACK's conservation work.
• Living Coast Discovery CenterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonor organization supporting ACK's conservation work.
• Silver OakminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonor organization supporting ACK's conservation work.
• Black Grouse PhotographyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonor and supporter of ACK's conservation work.
• CesarinaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonor organization supporting ACK's conservation work.
• Mic Drop ComedyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonor organization supporting ACK's conservation work.
• The Whaley House MuseumminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonor organization supporting ACK's conservation work.
• ElviraminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonor organization supporting ACK's conservation work.
• Newport WhalesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonor organization supporting ACK's conservation work.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• African Wildlife Foundation: AWF operates across multiple African countries on wildlife and habitat conservation, including community-based programs in Kenya. Directly comparable mission (African wildlife conservation with community engagement), similar donor-funded nonprofit model, and overlapping field geographies.
• Grevy's Zebra Trust: Grevy's Zebra Trust operates in northern Kenya (Samburu region) on endangered species conservation through community partnerships. Already a partner of ACK on safari itineraries, with directly overlapping methodology and community-based model.
• Big Life Foundation: Big Life operates community conservancy-based wildlife conservation in Kenya and Tanzania, including predator protection. Highly comparable model: community-led, Kenya-based, predator-conflict mitigation, donor-supported, with ranger and community education programs.
• Save the Elephants: Save the Elephants is a Kenya-based research and conservation nonprofit for a single iconic African species. Directly comparable single-species, Kenya-based, research-driven model with community programs and donor support, often cited alongside ACK in African wildlife philanthropy.
• Cheetah Conservation Fund: The most direct peer; CCF is the leading global cheetah conservation organization. ACK has an active collaboration with CCF on internships and community education, and the founder Mary Wykstra's work in Kenya was originally under CCF. They operate the same species focus with overlapping programs (community livestock, education, research).
• Born Free Foundation: Born Free focuses on wildlife conservation with strong cat species (especially lions and cheetahs) and operates community-based programs in Africa. Directly comparable donor-driven nonprofit model targeting big cat species and human-wildlife conflict.
• Panthera: Panthera is the leading wild cat conservation organization globally, with active cheetah programs in Africa. Comparable species focus, donor-funded model, and field-based research methodology.

Broad incumbents

• Wildlife Conservation Society: WCS is a large, established international wildlife conservation organization with active Kenya programs and a global portfolio. Overlaps with ACK on wildlife research and community-based conservation, but operates at much greater scale across many species and geographies.
• The Nature Conservancy: TNC is a major global conservation nonprofit with Africa programs. Compares on donor-funded nonprofit model and conservation mission, though TNC emphasizes habitat and landscape-scale conservation rather than a single-species focus.
• World Wildlife Fund: WWF is the largest global wildlife conservation NGO with active programs across Africa including Kenya. Overlaps broadly with ACK's mission (species and habitat protection, community engagement), but operates as a broad incumbent across many species rather than specializing in cheetahs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Action4Cheetahs
• Facebookfacebook.com/Action4cheetahs
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/action-for-cheetahs-in-kenya
• Instagraminstagram.com/actionforcheetahs
• Pinterestpinterest.com/action4cheetahs

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Action for Cheetahs in Kenya