Eight months after a wildfire destroyed their sanctuary near Stanford, Chaka, Karlos and Ivana are back where they belong.
Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary confirmed on 30 September that the three lions had returned safely after a 2 610 km journey from Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary in Bethlehem, Free State, where they had been cared for since January.
Chaka and Karlos have already started roaring again. Ivana, the more spirited of the siblings, is taking a little longer to settle in and the team is giving each lion the time and space they need.
The wildfire swept through Panthera Africa and the surrounding community on 8 January, damaging enclosures and essential infrastructure. All of the sanctuary’s big cats had to be evacuated. Tigress Arabella and lioness Baguira sustained serious burns and spent months receiving specialist veterinary care from Dr Peter Caldwell and the Old Chapel Veterinary Clinic team in Pretoria. Both have since returned to the sanctuary and continue to receive the care they need. Tiger Rays did not survive the wildfire.
Their history
Karlos and his sister Ivana were rescued by the NSPCA in 2019 after being found close to death at a breeding farm linked to the lion bone trade. They received months of intensive veterinary care before Panthera Africa became their permanent home. The effects of their early neglect mean they still need daily supplements, enrichment and close monitoring. They are back in the camp they shared before the fire, with adjustments made to better support their specialist lifelong care.
Chaka was confiscated as a cub after being kept illegally as a family pet. He later lived at a zoo before arriving at Panthera Africa in 2017. He is now settled in a newly prepared camp alongside Baguira, with whom he has always shared a close bond.
Three down, five to go
Neptune and Oliver, two of the five lions sent to Lionsrock, remain in Bethlehem until their specialised night houses and camps are ready. Oliver is one of Panthera Africa’s founding animals. Six more of the sanctuary’s big cats are also still with partners around South Africa. Spotted leopard Gabriel and black leopard Pardus are at Ashia Cheetah Conservation in Paarl. Elsa and Lei-ah are at ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in the Free State, while Jade and Zakara are at The Lions Foundation in Bela-Bela. The sanctuary hopes to bring all of them home before the end of 2026.
On 9 October, Panthera Africa shared that Arabella had climbed onto a newly built platform for the first time – a milestone made possible by donor support. The platform was designed specifically for her recovery needs.
Still rebuilding, still open for support
With the help of volunteers and donors, the Panthera Africa team has spent months clearing fire-damaged land and structures, repairing infrastructure and rebuilding specialised night houses. The sanctuary remains temporarily closed to visitors. Panthera Africa is an ethical sanctuary that gives rescued captive-bred big cats a permanent home. It does not breed or trade animals, and does not allow hands-on public interaction.
Those wishing to support the ongoing rebuild and the remaining homecomings can visit pantheraafrica.com/donate.
