Before the fires in January, Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary was a safe haven for 26 rescued big cats, a place of learning, connection, and second chances. Set on 110 hectares in the Western Cape, South Africa, Panthera Africa is a non-profit, a true sanctuary, a leader in ethical, no-touch tourism, working toward 100% solar sustainability. It is a lifelong home for rescued lions, tigers, leopards and caracals. Free from breeding, cub petting, or exploitation.
A Story of Survival
Before the fire, it was a place of peace, a sanctuary in every sense of the word. Everything they stand for aligns with the OKOA Fund’s core values:
- Ethical conservation
- Education
- Sustainability
- Respect over profit
Today, Panthera Africa is a story of survival. When the fires first hit in January 2026, the situation was critical. There was no time for introductions, only action. So OKOA jumped straight in to run an emergency campaign, sharing their story and the critical need for support as quickly as possible.
Facing the Flames
On 8 January 2026, everything changed. A wildfire tore through the land, destroying infrastructure, fencing, and critical systems. In a race against time the big cats were evacuated, but sadly not without loss. Rays, a beloved tiger, tragically passed away while Arabella and Baguira survived severe injuries and have now returned home to heal.
Today, the sanctuary stands quiet. Closed to the public, without its primary source of income, tirelessly rebuilding from the ground up. And yet, the mission remains unchanged.
Panthera Africa is now operating as an emergency recovery project, focused on:
- Providing critical veterinary care and rehabilitation
- Supporting displaced animals in partner care
- Rebuilding safe, secure enclosures
- Restoring a sanctuary that so many depend on
OKOA’s Ongoing Support
This is why OKOA pledged to stand with them and continues to do so. True conservation doesn’t stop when things fall apart – it shows up, rebuilds, and continues. Their home may be broken, but their spirit is not. The team at Panthera Africa is a small and passionate group who are dedicated to the wellbeing of their beloved cats. OKOA is working closely with them as they continue to respond to essential recovery needs on the ground, while they tackle the huge task of planning and quantifying the cost of rebuilding the sanctuary.
While the road ahead remains uncertain for Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary, one thing is clear, they are committed to the safety and security of their animals and the OKOA Fund is honoured to stand by their side.
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