CHEETA Community Help Environmental Education Through Animals: Jedi's adventures

Highlights from our Anatolian ambassador, Jedi.

Getting cuddles and giving puppy kisses at St. Peters Prep

Jedi is such a lovely Anatolian that he can double up as a domestic dog ambassador at rural schools, or strut his stuff as a hardcore breed of dog that protects livestock with their lives against predators. With many of our predators living on farmlands, there is often conflict with farmers. Anatolian guard dogs live with livestock, and keep predators away, allowing farmers to live harmoniously with cheetah, caracals, jackals etc. and reducing their financial losses substantially. With about 110 Anatolian living on farms in south Africa this amazing breed of dog is making a big difference to our cheetahs living outside of protected areas.

Jedi meeting learners at Sci Bono

Loving the wind in his face

Jedi is a small example of the breed, but during our presentation about wild dogs, vultures and conflict with farmers, Jedi makes an appearance to show learners what this type of dog looks like.

Many of our rural schools enjoy meeting Jedi, because he is so calm, and often encourages the little ones to pet him, and overcome their fear of dogs. Working together with Jane Goodall's Roots and Shoots programme about domestic animals, Jedi has recently visited the groups in Lenasia and Alexandria.