Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, is a major transit hub for the illegal wildlife trade. Possession of wildlife is illegal in Somaliland, and police often crack down on suspected traders. In August, local authorities arrested two people and rescued another 10 cheetah cubs that were destined for the Gulf. CCF founder Laurie Marker said the rescued cubs were “very malnourished” and were being reintroduced to food slowly, starting with fluids. The other seven are responding.”Marker, whose center now has 128 rescued cheetahs, said the illegal trade in cheetahs was driving the species into extinction.