The Panthera Africa sanctuary has shared the devastating news of how several big cats hid in fear and even burned their paws during the wildfires that ravaged Stanford in the Western Cape.
It also revealed the sad news of how it was forced to relocate some of its animals after its property was severely damaged.
The sanctuary is home to captive-bred wild cats, including lions, leopards, jaguars, and tigers.
Volunteers is appealing to the public for assistance via its BackABuddy crowdfunding initiative.
SANCTUARY’S BIG CATS IN CRITICAL CONDITION AFTER WILDFIRES
On its Instagram account, Panthera Africa shared the horrific news of how its animals were affected by the Western Cape wildfires.
The sanctuary is home to 30 big cats who were rescued from captive and abusive environments.
In one of the devastating images, a young lion is seen with burned and inflamed paws.
Image via Instagram:
@pantheraafricasanctuary
Lizeene Cornwall told the SABC that the fire spread quickly and the sanctuary had little time to sedate most of the animals. A few of them hid, while others were moved and crated.
Cornwall stated that three animals were in a critical condition – two tigers and a lion. One of the tigers is in a coma and is being treated by a veterinary clinic. The other two cats have been relocated to another sanctuary after their enclosures were burned in the wildfires.
DAMAGE AND RELOCATION
Sadly, Panthera Africa has had to relocate some of its animals, including leopards and lions, to other sanctuaries due to the damage caused by the wildfires.
It shared in a heartbreaking post: “This was not a choice made lightly. There were many factors involved, but at the heart of it all was one simple truth: we must always do what is best for the animals in our care.
“Their safety and well-being will always come first. Always. This is only a goodbye for now – and a pure act of love”.
You can donate to their fundraising mission via their BackABuddy campaign.
