Ethical breeding programs, including the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) Program, have been instated globally to combat observed low wild numbers and to ensure genetic diversity in an effort to bolster the cheetah population and avoid extinction. A repercussion of such human-induced breeding programs is the presence of nearly 400 breeding individuals in captive zoological and sanctuary environments within the United States alone, and an indeterminate number of cheetahs in captivity around the world.

These captive cheetahs are exposed to humans, human enrichment, and human designed habitats from birth. In addition, the use of “ambassador cheetahs” in AZA accredited zoological institutions is becoming an increasingly common practice when hand-raising of cubs becomes necessary following maternal rejection. These ambassador cats act in a crucial educational role for the public through providing first-hand experiences with the cats and are exposed to human interaction, training, handling, enrichment, and human environments at a greater degree than traditional captive born cats.

Breeding programs have also been implemented in Africa in an effort to save the species from extinction. A crucial aspect of African breeding programs is the reintroduction of captive-bred cheetahs onto protected reserves where individuals can live relatively wild lives. As a result, it is likely that reintroduced cheetahs are impacted by human interaction, enrichment, and man-made environments from a young age prior to release.