Africa’s big cats are symbols of the wild, the untamed spirit of our continent. Today, their survival hangs in a delicate balance – as they compete against human development, exploitation and the illegal trade of their bodies. South of the Western Cape, near the rich coastline and through the African wilderness, a sanctuary stands as a beacon of hope. Panthera Africa provides a safe home for captive-raised big cats, including leopards, lions and tigers. Their team is dedicated to giving these animals a new chance at life and speaking out against the activities that harm them. As an environmentally friendly, animal-first sanctuary, their facility does not permit hands-on interaction, breeding, or trading, ensuring that previously mistreated wildlife can thrive in a safe environment. Driven By Nature Foundation recognised the efforts of Panthera Africa in forging a path for the future of big cats and their safety. Our team coordinated a film shoot at the sanctuary to raise awareness of the issues facing our majestic wildlife. Along the way, we learnt about the trade and industry surrounding big cats – and the people working tirelessly to save them from pain. Through education, rehabilitation and special care, even the most neglected and abused animals can have a better life with the right support.
Short Film with Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary
On the 5th of November 2024, our team departed from HQ at 5 AM on the dot to travel towards Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary.Our short film was anticipated to shed light on both chilling and heartwarming facts about wildlife – from their exploitation to their rehabilitation. As a nonprofit sanctuary, founded by two passionate conservationists, Lizaene Cornwall and Cathrine Nyquist, Panthera Africa serves to be an environmentally friendly solution to house and rehabilitate previously captive big cats. Their current residents include leopards, lions, tigers, caracals, servals and jackals, which will be safe and protected for the rest of their lives at the facility. Panthera Africa also has a platform for education, spreading awareness about animal welfare, conditions in captivity, and how ethical practices and animal enrichment factor into a happy life after years of hurt and neglect. A 40-hectare stretch of green, surrounded by mountains, this facility claims to be a sanctuary not only for big cats but also for the founders, workers, volunteers and visitors who witness it.
The Driven By Nature Foundation team was no exception to this. We were in awe of both the surrounding scenery and the beautiful creatures we encountered. We began our filming, capturing moments of the team coordinating their day to show just how complicated sanctuary operations can be. After capturing some of the daily life at Panthera Africa, we congregated for an interview with the sanctuary director and co-founder, Cathrine Nyquist. Her answers reflected the care and compassion that go into both rescue operations and extended care at the facility. She reflected on her initial encounters with big cats as a volunteer in South Africa and how they led her to stay and keep fighting for them. Panthera Africa advocates for big cats through educational and volunteer programs, presentations, collaboration with other sanctuaries, unique management of their own animals, and ultimately connecting people with animals and nature. Cathrine explained that, though big cats were once glorious rulers of the wilderness, human exploitation has resulted in an industry that profits from their suffering. From bone trading to captivity-for-profit tourist traps, big cats are repeatedly exploited out of their natural habitats. Through a powerful, educational story, Cathrine and the team at Panthera Africa reminded us that even just one person, one sanctuary, can make a difference in our world. The full short film is live on our YouTube channel, aiming to provide the platform with a glimpse into the status of big cats as well as the people who are advocating for their freedom.
Rehabilitation Without Exploitation
Every person deserves equal respect and acknowledgement – and the same goes for animals and nature. South Africa is one of the world’s leading exporters of big cats and their body parts. The illegal underground trade is so hidden that we don’t know the extent of the abuse. With lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars and more being trafficked across the world from our ports for ‘medicine’ and luxury items, this isn’t a small operation. It’s a national threat to the survival of our wildlife and biodiversity. Aside from the devastating effects of the big cat trade, there are other ways in which our wildlife is exploited, including canned hunting, or preventing an animal from escaping a hunter by confining or restricting them. Other harmful activities to big cats include illegal poaching, breeding farms, cubs hand-reared for tourist petting, as well as captivity in zoos and circuses. Panthera Africa aims to reveal the truth about what big cats go through in captivity by committing to education and outreach. Their work saves innocent wildlife from inexplicable cruelty, as well as spotlighting the poor conditions and inhumanity of the big cat trade. Together, we as a society must demand accountability from those involved directly or indirectly with the wildlife trade. Supporting organisations that practice ethical animal care, raise awareness and promote cruelty-free tourism protects South Africa’s incredible big cats for future generations to witness. By discussing rehabilitation as synonymous with respect, compassion and freedom, we stand with big cats and against their abusers. Let’s create a future without exploitation. Our wildlife depends on it.
