World Kidney Day Highlights the Importance of Kidney Care for Big Cats at LIONSROCK
FOUR PAWS reminds the public that healthy kidneys are vital not only for people, but also for rescued lions, tigers, leopards and other non‑domestic felines
Bethlehem, 11 March 2026 - On World Kidney Day observed on 12 March, FOUR PAWS is drawing attention to a lesser-known but critically important topic: kidney health in big cats. While chronic kidney disease (CKD) is widely recognised in domestic cats, the condition also affects non-domestic felines such as lions, tigers and leopards, especially those that have lived in captivity or endured years of inadequate care before rescue.
CKD is one of the most common age‑related diseases in felines. As obligate hypercarnivores, their naturally high‑protein diet places additional metabolic demand on the kidneys throughout their lives. Research suggests that anatomy, genetics, viral infections and even dental disease may contribute to the development of CKD in felids, though the exact causes remain unclear.
For many of the big cats at LIONSROCK, age and past suffering increase their susceptibility. Some residents arrived at the sanctuary already elderly or in poor health after spending years in circuses, private keeping or other exploitative environments without access to proper veterinary treatment.
World Kidney Day serves as a global reminder of the importance of kidney health, and at LIONSROCK it highlights the dedication required to care for rescued animals who rely entirely on humans for their well-being. “At FOUR PAWS, every measured dose of medication is part of a promise,” says Pirker. “A promise of compassion, safety and a peaceful life after rescue.”
For more information, please visit our website at lionsrock.org
/ENDS
Deidre Daniels
Public Relations Officer+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