BETHLEHEM – Five lions rescued from the Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary in the Western Cape are adapting well following their emergency relocation to the Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary in Bethlehem in the Free State, after devastating wildfires swept through the Overberg region.
The fires posed an immediate and serious threat to the animals housed at Panthera Africa, prompting urgent action to secure their safety.
Through a swift collaboration with the global animal welfare organisation Four Paws, the lions were successfully transferred last week to Lionsrock, a sanctuary renowned for its specialised care of big cats. According to Hildegard Pirker, sanctuary manager at Lionsrock, the initial signs since the lions’ arrival have been encouraging.
“The signs we are seeing are very positive,” says Pirker.
“The lions are eating well, resting comfortably, exploring their enclosures and showing natural curiosity, all strong indicators that they are adapting and doing well. Change is never easy for big cats, especially following such a significant shift in a short space of time. Adaptation takes time, and we are allowing the lions to move at their own pace.”
Panthera Africa, an ethical sanctuary dedicated to the welfare of captive-bred big cats, has remained in close contact with the Lionsrock team since the relocation. Co-founders Lizaene Cornwall and Cathrine Nyquist, along with the head of animal care, Taryn Shanna Blows, are expected to travel to Lionsrock soon to reunite with the lions.
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Cornwall says that the Lionsrock team has been phenomenal.
“We are incredibly grateful for the dedication, compassion and understanding they show our lions every day.
“This visit will allow the lions to see familiar faces and for our team to spend time not just with the animals, but also with the Lionsrock caretakers to share any additional, individual care insights as needed.”
While the lions are safe for now, uncertainty remains about whether they will return to the Western Cape. Cornwall explained that it is too early to determine the next steps, as assessments of the damage caused by the fires are still ongoing.
“The situation at Panthera Africa still needs more time to be fully assessed,” she said.
“We are waiting for fire reports and insurance assessments, which could take a few more weeks. While this assessment is underway, our focus remains on the care and wellbeing of all our animals.”
Seven lions remain at Panthera Africa, while two others are receiving intensive veterinary care under the supervision of big cat specialist Dr Peter Caldwell in Pretoria. Support for the sanctuary’s staff, who continue to work under challenging circumstances, also remains a priority.
For now, the successful relocation of the five lions stands as a hopeful outcome amid the destruction caused by the fires, highlighting the importance of cooperation and rapid response in safeguarding vulnerable wildlife.
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