Close up of a hyena walking towards the right of the camera

Ensessa Kotteh

ENSESSA KOTTEH WILDLIFE RESCUE, CONSERVATION & EDUCATION CENTRE

Ethiopia

Ensessa Kotteh is a 190-acre (77 hectares) sanctuary in Ethiopia, which houses wild animals in need – orphaned or confiscated from illegal trade or ownership. Located just 30km from the capital, Addis Ababa, Ensessa Kotteh is situated on an impressive, partly-wooded, site.

Each animal that enters Ensessa Kotteh is carefully assessed to see whether full rehabilitation and release back to the wild is feasible. Those that cannot be released are provided with lifetime care.

The site was personally identified by his Excellency, the late President Girma Wolde-Giorgis and allocated to Born Free Ethiopia by the Regional Government of Oromiya. The land agreement signed in 2009 grants the land to Born Free Ethiopia for an indefinite period in order to establish Ensessa Kotteh.

Ensessa Kotteh means ‘animal footprint’ in Amharic, and is the first Centre of its kind in the region.

Its beautiful surroundings retain much of the naturally occurring wild fauna and flora. Our Education Programme at Ensessa Kotteh offers centre-based learning for schools, nature clubs, colleges and universities. Our intention is to provide an all-embracing, memorable educational experience. You can find out more about our education and how to book an educational visit on our Ethiopia Education page.

Ethiopia Education

Adopt the Cheetah Family

These cats were rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. Confiscated from various locations throughout Ethiopia, the cheetahs were destined to be trafficked overseas to be sold as pets, to be kept illegally as pets in Ethiopia, or to be used as ‘attractions’ to make money.

They now all live at Ensessa Kotteh, where they will receive the care they need for life, in natural surroundings amongst the flora and fauna of Ethiopia

Adopt A Cheetah Today