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Published on 06/01/1998 All articles from this issue

Fate of cheetah, fastest of cats, subject of LAH presentations

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Special to the Town Crier

The Los Altos Hills-based Cheetah Conservation Fund will be holding its annual "Wild Cat Weekend" June 27-28. Both days will feature an upclose presentation of exotic wild cats including Samburu the cheetah, Lakota the mountain lion, and others.

In addition, there will be a presentation by internationally renowned cheetah conservationist, Laurie Marker, and actress Tippi Hedren.

Cheetah Conservation Fund member and Los Altos Hills resident Charles Knowles said the Cheetah Conservation Fund is the only international organization dedicated solely to the survival of the cheetah in the wild. As the world's fastest land animal, the cheetah is capable of speeds up to 70 mph, but is now in danger of extinction.

In addition to the loss of habitat and poaching, the cheetahs' survival is threatened by competition with the larger predators livestock ranchers.

After 20 years of work with cheetahs, Marker formed the Cheetah Conservation Fund in 1991 and moved permanently to the southern African country of Namibia, home to the last large population of cheetahs.

Knowles said the organization is committed to saving the wild cheetah from extinction through a program based on an effective, balanced approach that includes science, education and action.

Marker and the wild cats will be presented at two events in this area. The main event will be held June 28 at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Two-hour presentations are set for 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The second event will beJune 27, from 1-6 p.m. This will be a catered event at a Los Altos Hills home featuring a wild cat show, and presentations by Marker and actress Tippi Hedren.

Hedren, who is most well known for her role in Hitchcock's "The Birds," is an animal advocate who maintains the Shambala preserve for abandoned and abused big cats and elephants. The donation for this day is $100 per person.

To reserve a spot at either event, send a check payable to the Cheetah Conservation Fund to 25725 Bassett Lane, Los Altos 94022.

All proceeds benefit the Cheetah Conservation Fund. For more information, call Knowles at 949-4133.