Since last week, we have been appealing for your help in supporting our partner sanctuary, Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa, which has been devastated by terrible wildfires.
Tragically, one precious life was lost – a tiger named Rays, who succumbed to smoke inhalation – and two other big cats have suffered severe burns to their paws.
The surviving animals badly need your help, and here is what you can do.
25 wild animals rescued from the fire now need critical help.
Please, help us rush them aid.
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
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
All 25 of our partner’s surviving animals, including lions, tigers, leopards and caracals, have now been evacuated.
However, many need close monitoring and round-the-clock care. As the days pass, their wounds are becoming more visible. It is fairly common for the full extent of burn injuries to show up later in animals. Injured cats have also been licking painful areas, which is a natural, instinctual response, but it can make healing more difficult.
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, ongoing veterinary care to keep all surviving 25 animals alive.
Our partner is committed to providing day-and-night veterinary care to the animals. Critical cases, like lioness Baguira and tiger Arabella, are receiving intensive care 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
Right now, funds are still urgently needed to cover the immense costs of veterinary treatment and emergency for care injured, stressed and highly traumatized animals.
As for the rebuilding of this vital sanctuary, when it is safe to do so, our partner will assess the extent of the damage and the repairs required. 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.
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 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.
