But one thing they can’t outrun is the human threat. Once widespread throughout Africa and Asia, cheetahs now occupy just 10 percent of their historic range. Over the past century, their population has plummeted by 90 percent, leaving less than 10,000 individuals today.

Cheetahs face inherent challenges to their survival, including a limited gene pool and susceptibility to disease. Cubs are particularly vulnerable to predators, with only about 5 percent surviving to adulthood. Yet it is manmade threats — namely habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching — that continue to push cheetahs closer to endangered status.

Humans present the single greatest threat to cheetahs, which is why we do our part to balance the scales. The story started with Big Life, who reported an injured male in the Chyulu Hills. He had a heavy limp and was favouring his front paw. For a cheetah, mobility means the difference between life and death. He needed a helping hand.

Our pilot flew down to collect the SWT/KWS Amboseli Mobile Vet Unit from Voi. They found the patient in the company of his two brothers. (In cheetah society, male siblings remain together for life, forming a fraternal coalition.)

After Dr Kariuku darted the patient, his brothers made themselves scarce. Upon examination, the team found that he had been injured in a territorial fight. He had severe wounds on his paw pad and the top of his foot, which caused the heavy limp. Fortunately, a thorough cleaning and medication set him on a healing course.

With treatment complete, the cheetah was revived. He woozily rose to his feet and rejoined his two brothers, who were waiting nearby. We are pleased to report that subsequent sightings show him already much improved.