Discover the Heart of Panthera Africa: A Sanctuary for Big Cats

A Journey into the World of Big Cats

Panthera Africa is a non-profit sanctuary dedicated to big cats. It currently provides refuge and safety for 26 captive-bred animals, rescued from various forms of exploitation.

During my recent visit, I gained a deeply insightful perspective on the big cat breeding industry. It’s a world filled with illusion, exploitation, and heartbreak. What I discovered was both enlightening and disturbing.

For many, the breeding of lions, tigers, and leopards in captivity may seem innocent. Some even believe it contributes to conservation. But as our guide Rhys revealed, the truth can be far darker.

The Founders' Journey

The founders of Panthera Africa, Cathrine and Lizaene, were once part of this industry. Like many, they began with a love for big cats, raising several themselves—including two tigers, Arabella and her brother Aries. However, as the cats matured and began to be sold, they started asking questions. What happened to the animals after they left?

The answers were horrifying.

When Cathrine and Lizaene decided to leave the industry, they approached the farmer who had bought Arabella and Aries, asking to take them back. The farmer agreed—but only once their sanctuary was built. Before they could return for the tigers, Lizaene had a gut feeling something was wrong. She asked a friend to check in on the animals. The report came back: Arabella was in an enclosure with a different tiger, not Aries.

This wasn’t speculation—tiger stripes are as unique as human fingerprints. Despite the farmer’s insistence that the male tiger was Aries, it became clear he was lying. He had already sold eight other tigers to zoos in the United States. But the paper trail ended in silence.

So, what really happened to the tigers?

The tragic truth emerged: the tigers had been shot and sold into the illegal tiger bone trade, feeding the demand for traditional medicine in parts of Asia. Aries was gone. Thankfully, they managed to save another tiger—Rays—but the loss was a brutal wake-up call.

What Makes an Animal Sanctuary Truly Ethical?

The term "sanctuary" needs to be scrutinized to ensure it upholds true ethics. At Panthera, there is no grey area when it comes to this.

• NO Breeding

• NO petting or walking (human interaction)

• NO hunting

• NO trading

  
  

For a big cat sanctuary to operate, certain requirements must be met, such as the size of the enclosures, fences, and electrics. These vary from country to country and even from one province to another. The Western Cape has some of the strictest rules for big cat facilities.

Why Can't Captive-Bred Cats Be Released into the Wild?

Many of the cats suffer from health issues due to inbreeding in captive facilities, which compromises their genetic integrity. Reintroducing them into wild populations risks spreading these weakened genetics, potentially endangering the health and survival of otherwise healthy wild cats. This further threatens the species as a whole.

Additionally, captive-bred cats are often too accustomed to human presence. In areas where humans and wildlife strive to coexist, these cats may approach villages or people, putting themselves in danger and increasing the likelihood of conflict.

How You Can Make a Difference

Visiting Panthera Africa is a meaningful way to support a responsible wildlife experience. Every visit directly contributes to the care and wellbeing of the rescued big cats. Tours are conducted with deep respect for the animals, and clear guidelines are provided at the start. This includes a request not to photograph one particularly camera-shy resident, ensuring the cats' comfort and dignity are prioritized.

By choosing ethical experiences like this, you'll leave with a greater understanding of Panthera Africa’s mission. You’ll see how conscious tourism can positively impact and protect our wildlife for future generations.

Customized Tours with Vegan Tours Cape Town

We would be delighted to incorporate a visit to Panthera Africa as part of a customized day tour. Please contact us at Vegan Tours Cape Town to discuss how we can create a memorable experience for you!

Visiting Panthera Africa is not just about seeing big cats; it's about understanding their plight and supporting their future. Together, we can make a difference!