Most wildlife reintroduction programs fail because released individuals do not respond to predatory cues properly, resulting in high mortality rates quickly after release. This study determines the response differences between captive and successfully released cheetahs to the threat of lions. This helps deciding which individuals are expected to be successful after release. We found that captive individuals respond less adequately to lion sound than wild individuals. Therefore testing a priory which individuals are immediately suitable for release and which need training is necessary in conservation programs. This ensures beneficial responses to other predators and thereby enhancing survival and release success.