I am writing to you today with dreadful news. Our partner, Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa, has been devastated by a wildfire that is still raging at its sanctuary in Stanford, Western Cape.
I am heartbroken to add that some of the animals are in critical condition. In fact, as I write this, we have just learned that a tiger called Rays has died after going into a coma because of smoke inhalation.
Another animal – a lioness named Baguira – is fighting for her life after her feet were severely burned in the fire. She is undergoing intense veterinary care and it is touch-and-go. We will keep you posted on her progress.
The animals need your help, and here is what you can do.
26 wild animals rescued from the fire now need critical care.
Please, help us rush them aid.
As the wildfire rages around them, rescuers work to save lions, tigers, and other wild cats from the flames. Credit: Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary
Already rescued from severe abuse, this lion now suffers burn injuries from the wildfire, adding new trauma to animals who have endured so much. Credit: Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary
All 26 of our partner’s animals, including lions, tigers, leopards and caracals, have now been evacuated.
However, many need close monitoring and round-the-clock care.
Some animals, petrified as flames tore through their safe haven, hid in terror from the deadly threat, making it hard to find them. As a result, they have suffered smoke inhalation, burn wounds and other injuries.
The full extent of the damage to our partner’s sanctuary is not yet known, but it is already clear that it has suffered extensive structural losses, with several enclosures and essential facilities destroyed.
The most urgent need right now is funding for critical, veterinary care to keep all 26 animals alive.
Our partner is providing day-and-night veterinary care to the animals. Critical cases are being closely monitored by a specialist big-cat vet.
Continuous veterinary care is being provided to assess and treat each animal. Critical cases are under the close supervision of a specialist big-cat vet. Credit: Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary
Round-the-clock veterinary support is in place to treat and evaluate every animal, with those in critical condition being monitored closely. Credit: Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary
Funds are urgently needed to cover the costs of veterinary treatment, emergency care, evacuation expenses and close monitoring of injured, stressed and highly traumatized animals.
When the fires die down we will have to repair the sanctuary. With our donors’ support, we will do everything we can to assist.
“If you pray, please pray.” – Lizaene Cornwall, co-founder Panthera Africa
It has been a devastating few days for our partner, which works to save big cats from horrifically cruel conditions. Animals like Gabriel, a magnificent leopard rescued from South Africa’s brutal breeding industry.
As a tiny cub, no more than five months old, both of Gabriel’s front legs were broken. For years, he was used for breeding purposes until ultimately the facility was shut down and he was rescued by our partner. Our supporters helped fund his relocation. Luckily, Gabriel survived the fire.
Gabriel has known trauma before: broken legs as a cub, years in captivity, then finally rescue. Now flames have consumed the sanctuary that was meant to be his refuge. Credit: Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary
Every one of our partner’s 26 animals bears the physical, psychological and emotional scars of a life of cruelty and suffering.
At Panthera, each has finally found freedom and peace – until the fire, which raged so fast and vicious, it is a miracle almost every animal survived. We MUST keep them alive.
It is at times like this that we rely most heavily on supporters like you.
Today, we are asking you to open your hearts to these precious animals and donate any amount you possibly can. The animals will be eternally grateful for your compassion.
