The Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary near Stanford relies on the community to help it protect the big cats. But on Mandela Day, 18 July, it gave back to the community by visiting Zwelihle Primary School.
“This special event aimed to inspire and educate Grade 4 to 7 learners through a 67-minute talk, honouring Nelson Mandela’s legacy of compassion and service,” said Heather Blackstock, Marketing and Communications Manager at Panthera Africa. “Mandela Day is a time to reflect on the values that Nelson Mandela stood for, such as respect, compassion and the importance of giving back to our communities.”
The event saw 946 children come together to learn about the big cats at Panthera Africa, highlighting messages of hope, resilience and respect for all living beings. The talk featured engaging stories and fun facts about different species, including lions, leopards and caracals, accompanied by videos showcasing the animals before and after their rescue.
“We are thrilled to share the inspiring stories of our rescued big cats with the children of Zwelihle Primary School and to emphasise that even in challenging times, there can be happy endings.”
They are deeply grateful to their sponsors for their generous contributions. “Their support allows us to bring joy and education to these young learners, fostering a sense of respect for wildlife and nature,” Blackstock said.
They thank the following sponsors: Soundworks Hermanus; 3@1 Whale Coast Mall Hermanus; Hermanus Office National; Harcourts Hermanus and Ariani Health Solutions.
“Panthera Africa aimed to leave a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of the children at Zwelihle Primary School, promoting a future generation that values and protects our natural world,” Blackstock concluded.
For more information about Panthera Africa and their ongoing efforts to rescue and care for big cats, visit www.pantheraafrica.com.
