The Panthera Big Cat Sanctuary is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of endangered big cats. It is located near Gansbaai, a town in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Inside the Panther Big Cat Sanctuary is home to several species of big cats, including lions, tigers, and leopards. The facility provides a safe and natural environment for the animals, allowing them to thrive and live out their lives in peace.
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History
The Panthera Big Cat Sanctuary was established in 2010 by Lizaene Cornwall, a South African wildlife enthusiast. The facility was created to provide a safe haven for big cats that had been rescued from illegal wildlife trade, neglectful owners, or other situations where they were at risk. Initially, the sanctuary only housed three lions, but it has since expanded to include other species.
Animal Species



The Panthera Big Cat Sanctuary is home to several species of big cats, including lions, tigers, and leopards. Each species has its own enclosure that has been designed to provide a safe and natural environment for the animals.
- Lions – The lion enclosures at the Sanctuary are spacious and feature natural vegetation, water features, and climbing structures. The lions are given a balanced diet of meat and supplements, and their health is closely monitored by a team of veterinarians.
- Tigers – The tiger enclosures at the sanctuary are also spacious and feature natural vegetation, water features, and climbing structures. The tigers are given a balanced diet of meat and supplements, and their health is closely monitored by a team of veterinarians.
- Leopards – The leopard enclosures at the sanctuary are designed to mimic the natural habitat of these elusive cats. The enclosures feature dense vegetation, rocky outcrops, and other features that leopards would encounter in the wild. The leopards are given a balanced diet of meat and supplements, and their health is closely monitored by a team of veterinarians.
Sanctuary Facilities
The Panthera Big Cat Sanctuary has several facilities that have been designed to provide the animals with the best possible care.
- Veterinary Clinic – The sanctuary has a state-of-the-art veterinary clinic that is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by a team of highly trained veterinarians. The clinic provides medical care to the animals, including regular check-ups, vaccinations, and treatment for any illnesses or injuries.
- Training and Enrichment – The staff at the Sanctuary is dedicated to providing the animals with the best possible care. They undergo regular training to learn about the behaviour and needs of big cats, and they are constantly coming up with new ways to enrich the animals’ lives. Enrichment activities include providing toys, introducing new scents, and creating new climbing structures and other features in the animals’ enclosures.
Big Cat Education
The Panthera Big Cat Sanctuary is committed to educating the public about the importance of big cat conservation. The sanctuary offers guided tours that provide visitors with an up-close look at the animals and the work that is being done to protect them. Visitors are also given information about the threats facing big cats in the wild and what they can do to help.
Conservation Effort
The Panthera Big Cat Sanctuary is part of a larger conservation effort to protect endangered big cats in the wild. The sanctuary works closely with other organizations and government agencies to promote conservation efforts, including anti-poaching initiatives, habitat restoration, and public education campaigns.
Location of The Sanctuary
The Panthera Big Cat Sanctuary is located on the outskirts of Gansbaai, a coastal town in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The sanctuary is situated on 42 hectares of land that includes both grassland and forested areas. The area is rich in biodiversity, with a variety of indigenous flora and fauna.
The best way to get to the Sanctuary would be from Gansbaai. To get a better understanding of their location follow the instructions given on their contact page on their website:https://pantheraafrica.com/contact-us/
The Panthera Big Cat Sanctuary is an important organization that is dedicated to the protection and conservation of endangered big cats. Located near Gansbaai, South Africa, the sanctuary provides a safe and natural environment for several species of big cats, including lions, tigers, and leopards. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a veterinary clinic, training and enrichment programs, and educational opportunities for visitors.
The sanctuary is committed to promoting conservation efforts and raising public awareness about the threats facing big cats in the wild. Through its work, the Panthera Big Cat Sanctuary is helping to ensure a brighter future for these magnificent animals.
FAQ
- Q – What is Panthera Big Cat Sanctuary, and where is it located?
A – Panthera Big Cat Sanctuary is an internationally recognized non-profit sanctuary located in Cape Town, South Africa. It provides a safe haven for rescued big cats and works towards their conservation. - Q – What types of big cats can be found at Panthera Big Cat Sanctuary?
A – Panthera Big Cat Sanctuary is home to a variety of big cat species, including white and tawny lions, tigers, a black leopard, and caracals. These majestic animals are protected and cared for at the sanctuary. - Q – Can visitors interact with the big cats at Panthera Big Cat Sanctuary?
A – No, Panthera Big Cat Sanctuary prioritizes the welfare of the animals and does not allow any interaction with the big cats. The sanctuary is focused on providing a safe and peaceful environment for the cats to live in. - Q – How can I visit Panthera Big Cat Sanctuary and what activities are available?
A – To visit Panthera Big Cat Sanctuary, you can participate in educational visits, conscious walks, enrichment visits, and sunset visits. These experiences offer opportunities to learn about the big cats, observe them in their natural habitat, and support their conservation efforts. - Q – How can I support Panthera Big Cat Sanctuary?
A – There are several ways to support Panthera Big Cat Sanctuary. You can visit the sanctuary and participate in its educational programs, donate to its conservation initiatives, volunteer your time and skills, or spread awareness about its work through social media and word of mouth. Every contribution helps in protecting these magnificent creatures.