In 2020 we were deeply moved when the Born Free Foundation named a cheetah cub in remembrance of Pollyanna on what would have been her 78th birthday.
Pollyanna was a longstanding patron of the Foundation, and was always delighted when her artwork could help support a cause so close to her own heart. There could have been no more wonderful and fitting tribute to Pollyanna’s memory. She was passionate about conservation and the animals she painted, and always had a very special fondness for cheetahs. Her Foundation was proud to fund the lifetime care of Pollyanna cheetah in and help to give this beautiful cat the opportunity to live a safe and happy life
The cub was seized by the Somali State authorities in Ethiopia, having most likely been taken from the wild to meet the demands of the pet trade in the Middle East. Thought to be about three months old, and rescued alongside her brother, Pollyanna received lifetime care at Ensessa Kotteh, Born Free’s wildlife sanctuary in Ethiopia.
Sadly cheetahs are fragile cats, and the poor start in life, followed by a bout of Calicivirus in 2021 had left Pollyanna with a weakened immune system. However she had made a strong recovery, and the final update we received from the care team just a few weeks before she passed away a year later described her as being “full of energy, inquisitive, and enjoying her life with her brother Coro”.
In 2024 the Foundation gave a grant of £3,000.00 for improvements to the cheetah enclosures at Ensessa Kotteh, to honour the memory of our beloved Pollyanna cheetah, and has continued to fund improvements at the sanctuary.
“Pollyanna’s enclosure” is now home to The Cheetah Family – a coalition of rescued cheetahs who were also victims of the wildlife trade – stolen from the wild as cubs to be sold as pets. Happily, at the centre, sisters Tamu and Nura and brothers Namazzi and Dembe have a second chance at life living in spacious camps.
We are offering Foundation supporters the chance to become a Friend of the Cheetah Family, and help to pay for their ongoing care, including food, medical care and just as importantly, an ongoing enrichment programme, which will provide the cats with special treats to keep them happy and occupied.
For a minimum donation of £35.00 you can befriend the cheetah family for one year. As a thank you, you will receive a personalised friendship certificate including a photo of the cheetahs, along with a bookmark and a set of four greetings cards featuring different cats of the world painted by Pollyanna.
As a special introductory offer if you join before the end of 2026, we will also send a free copy of the souvenir brochure celebrating Pollyanna’s long association with the Born Free Foundation – and telling the story of Pollyanna cheetah – worth £10.00. You will then receive twice yearly updates on the cheetah family’s progress
Please allow 14 days for delivery of your certificate and cards.
