Panthera Africa

Panthera Africa is an environmentally friendly sanctuary for any captive bred big cats, where they will be protected, enriched and given a prosperous life for the rest of their lives. We are one of few real ethical big cat sanctuaries in South Africa, where no breeding, trading or interaction take place.

We have found our 40 hectare paradise with a beautiful home for the animals, the owners and the many volunteers visiting. The land is filled with lots of large trees, a natural spring and an amazing 180 degree mountain view. Panthera Africa believes in the connection between both environmental and wildlife conservation, and aims to become the first “green” big cat sanctuary in South Africa, and run solely on solar energy.

One of Panthera Africa’s main purposes is to be an educational platform where we create awareness about conditions big cats face in captivity, and how animal welfare and enrichment play a vital role in giving them the best captive life possible. We are a true sanctuary where no cub petting, breeding or trading takes place. We are a blue print of how a non-profit sanctuary, focusing on animal welfare, can become self-sufficient, and we aim to change all breeding facilities into sustainable ethical programs.

We believe in the equal importance of both humans and animals, and we will do our absolute best to give you the experience of a lifetime. We know from personal experience that this includes both quality time with animals, as well as with staff and the other volunteers. Hearing a lion roar up close, getting love and recognition from a leopard, hearing the chuffing of a tiger, or seeing them appreciate and love the toys you make to enrich their lives = BLISS.

In addition to the indescribable bonds you will form with the animals, friendships will be formed and together at the end of the day we all can share stories, hopes and dreams around the bonfire with a cold drink watching the famous African sunset.

The international volunteer program will offer you the unique opportunity to be involved behind the scenes – daily tasks will include:

– Caring for the amazing big cats

– Enrichment program

– Preparation of food and feeding

– Cleaning and maintaining enclosures

– General farm work

– Educating visitors

You will work together with our staff throughout the day, who will guide and supervise you so that you will learn as much as possible from their experience.

Our pride consists of 18 big cats and jackals, namely:

Pardus  (Black Leopard)

Arabella and Raise (Tigers)

Oliver, Obi, Jubatus, Neptune, Elsa, Zakara, Lei-ah, Jade and Achilles (Lions)

Cody, Lucy and Maya (Jackals)

Amy, Max and Jack (Caracals)

(Plus our little house pride consisting of our dogs Scorgo, Kira and Leo and our cats Tarzan and Neo).

All of our animals have been rescued from breeding facilities, and most of them have been taken away from their mothers to be hand-raised by humans for the profit of money. The whole Panthera Africa pride is now living the rest of their days with us given love, respect and the best life possible in captivity.”

During your stay you will enjoy our modern, yet cozy home. The house consists of 4 bedrooms with 4 bathrooms, a spacious and fully equipped kitchen for everyone to cook, a big living and dining room area where we enjoy dinners together, games nights, film evening or just relaxing with a nice book. Outside we have a traditional South African braai (BBQ) area, and a lovely pool with a garden to sunbath for the hot summer days!

So can we start to look forward to meeting you in beautiful Stanford? Are you ready for that life changing experience? We can promise you a lot of fun and magical moments – both with animals and your new friends from all around the world!

Being situated close to many of South Africa’s top tourist attractions – Cape Town with its Table Mountain, Robben Island, Cape Point to mention some, Hermanus with its unbelievable whale watching cove and wine tasting, Gansbaai with its spectacular white shark diving, and some of the world’s most amazing beaches on your door step, we and our passionate staff will do our upmost best to make this experience the best holiday of your life!

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