Lion and Big Cat Sanctuary

The Lion and Big Cat Sanctuary is a true rescue center for captive bred big cats, like Lions, Tigers and other cats.

One of the sanctuary's main purposes is to be an educational platform where volunteers can create awareness about conditions that big cats face in captivity, and how animal welfare and enrichment play a vital role in giving them the best captive life possible. For more information on how lions are abused with 'volunteering' programs watch the documentary Blood lions.

Being a true sanctuary, there is no cub petting, tourist interaction, breeding, or trading taking place. It is a blue print of how a non-profit sanctuary, focusing on animal welfare, can become self-sufficient, and it aims to show all breeding facilities in Southern Africa how they can change into sustainable ethical projects.

Working closely with these majestic animals is a once in a life time opportunity to be part of looking after the needs of big cats in an ethical way. It is hard work to clean, fix, guide and feed the animals but you will be able to get a first hand view of what it takes to run a sanctuary which was started and is still being run by 2 ex-volunteers who saw from their own experience how international volunteers are cheated and lied to in numerous breeding facilities in South Africa.

Please note that as a sanctuary, we do not allow animal petting and close interaction with the cats, so volunteers should not expect to play with them, take selfies and pet them, this is not a zoo. Any project that allows that kind of interaction cannot be regarded as a true sanctuary and is actually part of the problem, not the solution.

The fees not only support the running of the sanctuary but also include your accommodation, some meals and weekly transport to the grocery shop to stock up.

There is WIFI available for a small extra charge and outside the volunteer house we have a traditional South African braai (BBQ) area, and a lovely pool with a garden to sunbathe on the hot summer days!