Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary
Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary
The Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary, located in Stanford in the Western Cape Overberg region, is a remarkable refuge dedicated to the care and conservation of big cats. Founded by conservationists Cathrine Strydom and Lizaene Cornwall, the sanctuary provides a safe and enriching environment for rescued and retired big cats, including lions, tigers, leopards, and caracals. The sanctuary’s mission is to create awareness about the plight of big cats in captivity and in the wild, promote ethical wildlife practices, and educate the public about the importance of conservation.
At Panthera Africa, the well-being of the animals is paramount. The sanctuary offers spacious enclosures designed to mimic natural habitats, allowing the big cats to express their natural behaviors. The enclosures are enriched with trees, platforms, and toys to stimulate the cats physically and mentally. Unlike some wildlife attractions, Panthera Africa does not allow any breeding, trading, or interaction with the animals, ensuring that the cats live a stress-free and dignified life. This ethical approach highlights the sanctuary's commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare.
Education plays a significant role in Panthera Africa's mission. The sanctuary offers guided tours that provide visitors with valuable insights into the lives and challenges of big cats. During these tours, knowledgeable guides share stories about the individual cats, their rescues, and their personalities, fostering a deeper connection between the visitors and the animals. The tours also emphasize the importance of conservation and the impact of human activities on big cat populations. Through these educational efforts, Panthera Africa aims to inspire visitors to become advocates for wildlife protection.
Panthera Africa is also involved in various conservation initiatives and collaborates with other organizations to protect big cats in the wild. The sanctuary participates in awareness campaigns, research projects, and rescue operations to address the threats faced by big cats, such as habitat loss, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade. By working together with local and international partners, Panthera Africa strives to create a future where big cats can thrive both in captivity and in their natural environments. The sanctuary stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the positive impact of dedicated conservation efforts.
5 interesting things about Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary:
1. No Breeding Policy: Panthera Africa adheres to a strict no breeding, trading, or interaction policy, ensuring the ethical treatment and well-being of its resident big cats.
2. Rescue Stories: Each cat at the sanctuary has a unique rescue story, often involving rescue from circuses, zoos, or private ownership, highlighting the sanctuary's role in providing second chances for mistreated animals.
3. Enrichment Programs: The sanctuary employs extensive enrichment programs to stimulate the big cats mentally and physically, including environmental enrichment like platforms, toys, and natural vegetation.
4. Educational Tours: Guided tours at Panthera Africa educate visitors about big cat conservation, the challenges these animals face, and the sanctuary’s mission to promote ethical wildlife practices.
5. Conservation Collaborations: Panthera Africa collaborates with local and international conservation organizations, participating in campaigns and research projects aimed at protecting big cats in the wild and combating illegal wildlife trade.
Accommodation Near Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary
Lagoon View
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Hermanus Area
17.6km from Panthera Africa Big Cat SanctuaryLagoon View offers self catering accommodation in Hermanus in the Western Cape's Overberg and Whale Coast region. Looking for a quiet self catering getaway with fantastic views. This large stylish home (sleeps 7) overlooks the Hermanus Lagoon and is ideal …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Sea Star Cliff
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in De Kelders
19km from Panthera Africa Big Cat SanctuarySea Star Cliff is a luxury lodge providing guest house accommodation in De Kelders, Gansbaai in the Overberg and Whale Coast region of the Western Cape. The luxuriously appointed guesthouse was designed and decorated with luxury in mind to create a... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Whale Cove A104
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in De Kelders
19.5km from Panthera Africa Big Cat SanctuaryWhale Cove A104 offers self catering apartment accommodation on the beachfront at De Kelders, Gansbaai in the Overberg and Whale Coast region in the Western Cape. Whale Cove A104 (sleeps 6) is a four-star rated, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom luxury apartment. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Ganders & Geese
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in De Kelders
19.9km from Panthera Africa Big Cat SanctuaryLooking for a pet-friendly and child friendly getaway to the lovely town of De Kelders just outside Gansbaai? Our fully equipped self-catering house (Sleeps 4, maximum 6 with extra 2 "trundle" beds suitable for children in the lounge). …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Crayfish Lodge Sea & Country Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in De Kelders
20.9km from Panthera Africa Big Cat SanctuaryCrayfish Lodge Sea & Country Guest House offers bed and breakfast accommodation in De Kelders, Gansbaai in the Overberg and Whale Coast in the Western Cape. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Whale Watch Accommodation
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in De Kelders
20.9km from Panthera Africa Big Cat SanctuaryWhale Watch Accommodation is situated in De Kelders, Gansbaai, and offers quality self catering accommodation for a family or group of friends on holiday. The house is ideal to accommodate 4 guests, however, a total of 6 guests can be accommodated. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Salted Fynbos Staying
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Franskraal
21.3km from Panthera Africa Big Cat SanctuarySalted Fynbos Staying provides self catering accommodation in Franskraal near Gansbaai in the Western Cape's Overberg & Whale Coast region. This self catering house (sleeps 8) has the perfect location, right on the seafront. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Pearly Beach Holiday House
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Pearly Beach
21.7km from Panthera Africa Big Cat SanctuaryPearly Beach house is a spacious self catering home, sleeping up to 12 guests on the Pearly Beach seafront, near Gansbaai, with 180 degree sea views and easy access to rock pools in front of house and two nearby beaches. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Aire Del Mar Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Gansbaai
23.2km from Panthera Africa Big Cat SanctuaryAire Del Mar Guest House provides bed and breakfast accommodation in Gansbaai in the Overberg / Whale Coast region in the Western Cape. Aire del Mar is ideally situated in Kleinbaai (sometimes referred to as Van Dyks Bay) for the viewing of the Great Whi …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Nantucket
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus
24.3km from Panthera Africa Big Cat SanctuaryNantucket offers self catering accommodation in Voelklip, Hermanus in the Overberg / Whale Coast region, Western Cape. Experience champagne air, sweeping panoramic ocean and mountain views, majestic meandering mountain walks... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Freewheeling in Stanford (7.65km)
- Stanford Glendower Bird Fair (7.73km)
- Sunset cruise on the Stanford River - African Queen Cruises (7.92km)
- Salmonsdam Nature Reserve (11.00km)
- Hermanuspietersfontein Boerdery (12.47km)
- Kleinrivier Private Nature Reserve (14.01km)
- The Hannarie Wenhold Botanical Art Gallery - Grootbos Florilegium (14.73km)
- Walker Bay Nature Reserve (17.05km)
- Die Plaat Beach (17.26km)
- Klipgat Cave (17.83km)
- Uilkraalsmond Nature Reserve (18.89km)
- De Kelders Drip Cave (19.56km)
