Nine months after a wildfire tore their world apart, eight lions and leopards in South Africa are finally ready to return home. We desperately need your help to get them there.
In January, you helped us provide critical support to our partner, Panthera Africa, after a devastating wildfire swept through its sanctuary in the Western Cape. Two big cats were seriously injured, and tragically, a tiger lost his life. We helped urgently evacuate the 13 surviving cats.
When wildfires destroyed our partner’s sanctuary in January, we urgently helped evacuate its rescued big cats to safe places across South Africa. Source: Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary
Eight of the cats – leopards Gabriel and Pardus, and lions Elsa, Lei-ah, Neptune, Oliver, Jade and Zakara – have spent months in the expert temporary care of four trusted sanctuaries while we helped Panthera rebuild. Now, it’s time for them to come back.
Eight big cats are waiting. Please help us get them home.
Panthera is where these big cats belong. It is the sanctuary they know, with a team that loves them dearly and has cared for them for years. Five cats have already returned. Eight more are now waiting for their chance.
The team is working around the clock to complete final preparations and secure travel permits. The good news is that the first journeys could begin as early as next week. But we must have the funds ready to act the moment transport is approved!
These eight lions and leopards have been through so much since losing their sanctuary. Please help give them the homecoming they have been waiting for. Source: Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary
Bringing all eight cats home safely will cost an estimated $6,000 (£4,500). Every journey requires careful coordination between the sanctuaries, veterinary team and transport providers to meet each cat’s individual needs.
We have an opportunity to reunite the entire Panthera pride. Will you help fund a big cat’s journey home?
After the fire, greenery has returned, and the animals’ home has been rebuilt. Eight cats are ready to come home. Your support can make that final journey possible. Source: Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary (left) and ASI/Byron Seale (right)
After nine long months away from their sanctuary, eight big cats are finally within reach of returning. Among them, Gabriel, a much-loved leopard, whom our donors helped rescue from a defunct animal facility and transport to Panthera in 2023.
You were Gabriel’s hero three years ago, rescuing this beautiful leopard and giving him a second chance at our partner sanctuary. Will you help him get home? Source: Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary
We cannot let a lack of funds delay their journeys. We must raise the funds now so these cats can return home as soon as permits and transport are approved.
The cats are ready. Now, they need you.
You helped these animals through the aftermath of a devastating wildfire, supporting emergency veterinary care, evacuation costs and the rebuilding of their sanctuary.
Your continued generosity today can help complete their journey. Every donation brings us one step closer to bringing them home.
Please give generously today.
