McLaren has once again shone the spotlight on conservation, raising an impressive R250,000 for the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre at the De Wildt Cheetah Research Centre near Hartbeespoort.
This is the third year McLaren Chief Executive Officer, Zak Brown has collaborated with Motorsport South Africa (MSA) and renowned South African-born international motorsport administrator, Dieter Rencken, to raise much needed funds for the Centre.
“This time McLaren has donated a 2024 race-used Lando Norris F1 suit – an exceptional item for an exceptional cause. At McLaren we love animals,” says Zak.
The suit, which comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, was auctioned through the Hall of Fame Collection, and worn during Norris’s 2024 season where the British driver led the charge to help McLaren win their first FIA World Constructors Championship since 1998 and their 9th title. Norris was also a runner up in the FIA World Drivers Championship and currently leads the 2025 title race.
The monies raised from this exclusive auction will underwrite the installation of solar powered wireless cameras at the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre - bolstering security for its endangered big cats and reinforcing the vital link between precision engineering on the track and precision conservation in the wild.
Rencken, a passionate supporter of cheetah conservation, has been involved in fundraising for Cheetah conservation for over two decades, the last eight being with Ann van Dyk. Together with his wife, Gabi, he has adopted two cheetahs at the centre and continues to play a vital role in raising awareness and securing much-needed financial support.
"Motorsport and conservation may seem worlds apart, but they share a common thread - passion, precision, and perseverance," says Anton Roux, Chairman of Motorsport South Africa.
"We are immensely proud to be part of this initiative with Zak and Dieter, ensuring these magnificent animals are protected for generations to come."
The Centre does not receive any government funding, and income generated from tours and any monies raised help subsidise its conservation projects.
The King cheetahs who will benefit
Funds from the auction will directly support security measures for the centre’s King cheetahs, including Houdini, Phinda, and Jules—three incredible animals with inspiring survival stories.
• Houdini was rescued as part of a litter of orphaned cheetah cubs from the Kalahari. Due to an eye injury that affects his ability to hunt, he now calls the centre home.
• Phinda, an orphaned cub, suffered a severe leg injury that made it impossible for him to survive in the wild. He was given a second chance at the centre, where he now thrives.
• Jules, a rare King Cheetah, survived a deadly strain of parvovirus and now dazzles visitors with her speed and agility.
"These auctions make a real difference," says Rencken. "Last year, the R270, 000 raised supported the centre’s breeding and conservation efforts. This time, we are ensuring that technology plays a role in keeping these animals safe."
In total, Rencken, MSA and McLaren have raised R750,000 for the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre. Established in 1971, it has been at the forefront of cheetah conservation in South Africa, providing a safe space for breeding, rehabilitation, and education.
"Without public support, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do, and we cannot thank McLaren enough for their ongoing support and commitment to the centre," says Nikki Stagg, Marketing Manager of CHEETA.
Stagg also confirmed that Ursula, the mom of the King Cheetah McLaren (named after the first auction), is pregnant at the moment, and in honour of all the support provided would like to name one of her new cubs “Lando”. Her due date is Thursday, 17 April 2025.
You can find out more on:
www.dewildt.co.za
https://www.facebook.com/dewildtcheetah/
Instagram: dewildt_cheetahcentre
