WHO WE ARE
The primary goal of Cheetah Outreach Trust USA is to support Cheetah Outreach Trust South Africa in the conservation and promotion of the co-existence of the free-roaming cheetahs that live on farmland in South Africa. From a global estimated 100,000 cheetahs at the turn of the 20th century, the population is currently estimated to be only 6,674.
Shrinking habitat, dwindling natural prey, and conflict with human activities are the primary causes of these decreasing numbers. There are estimated to be 1,326 cheetahs in South Africa, of which approximately 500 are free-roaming and living on farmland in the northern part of the country. This specific population is the focus of our work. Cheetah Outreach Trust SA understands the complexity of issues involving cheetah conservation in these farmland areas due to years of working hand in hand with farming communities. We are proud of Cheetah Outreach Trust SA’s continuing efforts over the past 20 years to protect these cheetahs on South African farmlands. In working with the communities in these areas, Cheetah Outreach Trust SA has developed initiatives that reduce and manage the human-wildlife conflict between farmers and cheetahs.
In addition, we support Cheetah Outreach Trust SA’s well regarded curriculum-linked education program for learners, operating at the Cheetah Outreach facility in Cape Town. They work with both local and international academic institutions to initiate research projects focused on the conservation of cheetahs on farmland areas in South Africa.
Advisory Board.
Jackie Navarro
Jackie is a veteran of the wild animal world. Her personal safari began in 1989 taking her from California Polytechnic University into various roles such as zookeeper, zoo educator, trainer, behavioral consultant, presenter, show producer and consultant. Jackie has been affiliated with several zoos including Columbus Zoo, Charles Paddock Zoo, Santa Ana Zoo, and the San Diego Safari Park, where she performed in front of thousands. These experiences combined with a need for grassroots wildlife education programs in southern California eventually led her to the formation of her own wildlife education organization, Wild Wonders, Inc. in 1991. Currently, Jackie travels throughout the United States with her animal ambassadors charming children and adults alike through personal appearances, performances, media opportunities, and other related interactions. She has a genuine love of animals, children and a desire to educate people about the natural world. Jackie is an Institutional Member of the American Association of Zookeepers, a Professional Member of the Zoological Association of America, and President of the Association of Professional Wildlife Educators. Jackie is also a member of the American Zoological Association, the California Association for the Gifted, California Kindergarten Association, and International Zoo Educators.
Deon Cilliers
Deon joined the Cheetah Outreach Trust, South Africa (COT SA) in June 2013 as the Livestock Guardian Dog Manager for the eastern territory. He has subsequently moved on to oversee COT SA’s conservation efforts as Conservation Manager. With a Bachelors in Technology degree in Nature Conservation from the Tswana University of Technology, and 34 years of field conservation expertise, he has extensive experience working in wildlife conservation and with farmers on farmland regions. As project manager for the Livestock Guardian Dog Project's eastern territory, he has placed and monitored Anatolian livestock guardian dogs on livestock and game farms in Limpopo Province, a natural distribution range for wild cheetahs. Deon contributes essential expertise and experience to COT SA’s efforts to prevent human-predator conflict in South Africa. He continues to work on extending cheetah understanding through research projects such as camera trapping and collaring. Deon is a founding member of both the Cheetah Advisory Group and the Wild Dog Advisory Group in South Africa, and he has represented COT SA in a number of international venues. In addition, Deon oversees COT SA’s portfolio of research projects and the Irwin's Guardian Stud, which breeds livestock guardian dog puppies for placement.
Board of Directors.
Lobat Asadi, President
Lobat Asadi, PhD is a writer, professor and actress based in Los Angeles, California. Asadi means “from the lions.” Lobat is an Asiatic cheetah expert and is certified in Nature Based Solutions by the International Union of Conservation for Nature (“IUCN”). She works in the entertainment industry and also lectures for top universities, including Harvard. Lobat provides cheetah and Persian cultural consulting for films and documentaries, and has appeared in National Geographic Magazine. Her upcoming book, “Marita the Cheetah” is based on the true story of an orphaned cheetah cub that her father rescued and raised. Lobat was born to a mother from Azerbaijan descent and her father was a tribal indigenous wildlife conservationist and IUCN Big Cat Specialist Group member. Her father, Dr. Hormoz Asadi, worked tirelessly to save the rare Asiatic cheetah from extinction. Lobat brings her worldly, academic and creative abilities to COT USA to help raise awareness about the global plight of cheetahs, and to help save Africa’s cheetahs.
Lily Maynard, Vice President
Lily Maynard, Ph.D., is the Director of Global Conservation at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. Spending years in zoos, including working as a conservation manager at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, instilled her passion for wildlife. Lily received her B.A. in Biology from Smith College. She completed her master’s in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, and doctorate in the Human Dimensions of Conservation, at the University of Florida. Her research focuses on collaborative conservation, behavior change, and strategic impact for wildlife. She has worked in Africa, Asia, and the Americas on community-driven conservation projects. She strives to follow each community’s lead by asking what support or resources they need. She then facilitates opportunities for their livelihoods in tandem with conservation to help wildlife and people thrive together.
Beth Newman, Secretary
Beth earned her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from Stockton University, and her Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School. She then practiced corporate law at multiple national law firms, most recently at Cooley LLP in San Diego, California specializing in venture capital transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and public securities offerings. Beth has spent many years volunteering for numerous animal welfare organizations, and has always had a special place in her heart for cats: large or small, wild or domestic. She has been on multiple safaris in Africa, experiencing countless animals in their natural habitats, including cats such as cheetahs, lions and leopards. Beth has passed her passion for animals on to both of her children, one of whom is a zookeeper.
Alan Binder, Treasurer
Alan brings over 40 years of financial expertise to the Board of Directors as the former Executive Vice President and CFO of Paragon Restaurant Group and former Chairman, President and CFO of Procume Group. With a background in accounting, finance, and operations, he has a proven track record of managing budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and supporting strategic financial planning. Alan is passionate about the ability to protect and enhance the lives of animals living in the wild, particularly any species of carnivore. Alan has previously held leadership positions in corporations, a country club and is currently nominated to be Treasurer and a Board member of the Kindness Initiative, a charity for the benefit of people living below the poverty line. He has successfully improved financial processes, managed budgeting and financial reporting and set up accounting and banking for a start-up non-profit organization. Alan holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of the Witwatersrand and an MBA from Columbia University. He is dedicated to leveraging his skills to support the mission of Cheetah Outreach Trust USA and have a meaningful impact in the wildlife and agricultural communities. In his free time, Alan enjoys playing golf and spending time on safari in different parts of Africa. He has fulfilled his passion for wildlife by going on safari in excess of 50 times. Alan grew up in South Africa and spent most vacations going to “the bush” on safaris or working and relaxing on relatives’ farms.
Ron Magill
Ron has worked with wildlife for over 45 years. He was the host of HITN’s national wildlife documentary program, “Mundo Salvaje con Ron Magill.” As Zoo Miami’s Goodwill Ambassador, he has made frequent television appearances on many programs including, “National Geographic Explorer”; the Discovery Network’s “Today Show”, “Good Morning America”, “The Late Show”; CBS’s "This Morning”, “Dateline” and “CNN” as well as on Spanish networks Univision and Telemundo. In addition, Ron is a Nikon USA Ambassador and has written and produced many wildlife articles and award-winning photographs that have appeared in publications and galleries around the world. He has traveled extensively throughout Africa, Asia and Tropical America while developing and directing conservation projects and Emmy-Award winning documentaries focusing on the wildlife of those regions.
Brandon McMillan
Bio to come
Wendy Debbas
Wendy studied at Fresno State University where she graduated with a degree in International Agriculture. After graduating, she worked with her husband Guy to develop a line of gourmet chocolate and they launched their chocolate company, "Debbas Gourmet". Gourmet chocolate is made for Williams Sonoma, Costco, and many others. In 2002, Wendy visited Project Survival's Cat Haven where she started volunteering. Wendy has 22 years of captive exotic cat husbandry experience which she gained at Project Survival. She has been responsible for the daily care, feeding, handling, training of all species of cats there. Training volunteers, conducting tours and hand rearing of cubs are also a part of her responsibilities. Wendy has made TV appearances with ambassador cats and is involved with all aspects of fundraising. She has been on the board of Project Survival for 18 years. In 2004, Wendy met Deon Cilliers at DeWildt. The first Cheetah that Wendy worked with ("Tango") was trained as a cub at Cheetah Outreach. She has spent many months in Africa and has raised funds for several Cheetah projects. In Brazil, Wendy participated in a Jaguar capture/collaring project with Dr. Ronaldo Morato of Cenap/Icmbio. Cats, especially Cheetahs are her passion.
Cindy Wheeler
Cindy is a seasoned graphic web designer and illustrator who is devoting her skills to her favorite animal, big cats. She worked in South Africa at the Cheetah Outreach facility as a Volunteer, and has worked with big cats in multiple capacities since that time.
Candice Dymek
Candice earned her Bachelor of Science from University of Pittsburgh. She has worked with wildlife for over 20 years and has always had a passion for nature, wildlife, and all animals; especially carnivores. For many years she has supported and volunteered at many wildlife organizations; wild and domestic. Candice is currently a Senior Wildlife Care Specialist at the San Diego Zoo working with various species of carnivores, marsupials and ungulates. At her previous facilities she focused on educational programs, breeding, raising young and training of many species including small and large carnivores. This included cheetah, which sparked her passion to help raise awareness and support wild cheetah populations. Candice is a member of the American Association of Zookeepers, American Zoological Association, International Rhino Keepers Association and Animal Behavior Management Alliance.