Transfer of lions from Panthera Africa to LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa

Together for Animal Welfare: FOUR PAWS lends a Helping Hand to Panthera Africa’s Lions

FOUR PAWS responds to cry for help for big cats affected by fires.

Bethlehem, 20 January 2026 – After devastating fires swept through the Overberg area in the Western Cape, Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary faced an unimaginable challenge: protecting its beloved animals from danger. Recognising the urgency, Panthera Africa, an ethical sanctuary for captive-bred big cats, reached out to the global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS provide temporary refuge for five lions at their LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in Bethlehem.

Before the long trip to the Free State sanctuary, each lion underwent veterinary checks to assess their overall health conditions, to prepare them for their long journey ahead. After the long journey, the lions were released into their adaptation enclosures, where they will be closely monitored by the dedicated animal caretaker team at LIONSROCK.

“Our hearts go out to the Panthera Africa team during this incredibly difficult time. We know how much love and dedication they have poured into the Sanctuary. When they asked for help, we were ready to stand alongside them and ensure these lions have a safe place to recover while their home is being rebuilt.”

Fiona Miles, Director at FOUR PAWS South Africa

“Seeing our animals leave their home under these circumstances has been heartbreaking. But knowing they are safe and cared for by FOUR PAWS gives us hope. We are endlessly thankful to LIONSROCK and all the other sanctuaries that have stood by us during this crisis.”

Lizaene Cornwall, Co-founder, Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary 

For more information, please visit our website at four-paws.org.za and lionsrock.org 

/ENDS

Public Relations Officer ZA

Deidre Daniels

Public Relations Officer

Deidre.Daniels@four-paws.org

+27 (0)21 702 4277

+27 (0)78 675 8220

9B Bell Crescent, Westlake Business Park, 
Green Building, Cape Town, 7945

A Public Relations professional with over eight years’ experience in fostering positive relationships between organisations and media.

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FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organisation for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them. Founded in 1988 in Vienna by Heli Dungler and friends, the organisation advocates for a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy and understanding. The sustainable campaigns and projects of FOUR PAWS focus on companion animals including stray dogs and cats, farm animals and wild animals – such as bears, big cats and orangutans – kept in inappropriate conditions as well as in disaster and conflict zones. With offices in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, France, Germany, Kosovo, the Netherlands, Switzerland, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine, the UK, the USA and Vietnam as well as 13 wild animal sanctuaries and cooperation projects across the globe, FOUR PAWS provides rapid help and long-term solutions. www.four-paws.org.za

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