Film Lens
The documentary covers a trial in Somaliland involving Abdi Haiwan, a notorious cheetah smuggler. The trial, conducted entirely in Somali, features ten cheetah cubs as key evidence, with five of them brought into the courtroom in a pet carrier. The film captures the emotional weight of the situation as the cubs, taken from the wild, are held up to the bars of Haiwan's cell for identification. This moment shows the impact of wildlife trafficking on both the animals and the legal system addressing these crimes.
The narrative also emphasizes the fate of the cheetah cubs, which will never survive in the wild after being separated from their mothers. The documentary illustrates the broader issue of cheetah trafficking in the Horn of Africa, detailing the illegal smuggling routes and the efforts of local communities to combat this trade. It provides a stark look at the consequences of wildlife crime and the challenges faced in protecting endangered species.
Why Watch
- •See the courtroom drama unfold in Somaliland.
- •Meet Abdi Haiwan, a key figure in wildlife trafficking.
- •Find out what happens to rescued cheetah cubs.
Did You Know
•Ten cheetah cubs were found in the home of Abdi Haiwan's accomplice.
•Five cheetah cubs were brought into the courtroom during the trial.
•Once taken from their mothers, cheetah cubs cannot survive in the wild.
•Abdi Haiwan did not claim ownership of the cheetah cubs during the trial.
Perfect For
Wildlife conservationLegal dramasAnimal rights advocacy