A Little Help for Zakara’s Emergency Care
26 May 2026 – Our beautiful lioness Zakara recently needed emergency veterinary care after swelling and irritation appeared around her face and ear.
Zakara is currently in the care of our partner, The Lions Foundation in Bela-Bela, where she and Jade have been lovingly cared for since the wildfire. When the swelling appeared, their team responded quickly and contacted our big cat specialist, Dr Peter Caldwell. He came out to examine Zakara and assess what was happening.
A sudden swelling can be the first sign that something is wrong.
After examining her, Dr Peter suspected that a snake may have bitten Zakara. Snake bites are not uncommon for lions, which is why ongoing monitoring plays such an important role in their care. Changes in behaviour, swelling, irritation or discomfort must be noticed quickly so the right support can be given when it is needed most.
Zakara also had some irritation in her ear from scratching the affected area. Thankfully, she remained alert, stable and continued eating well, which gave everyone reassurance.
Dr Peter prescribed the necessary medication, and The Lions Foundation team continued to monitor her closely.
Thankfully, Zakara is responding well.
We are so relieved to share that Zakara is doing really well. The swelling has gone down, she has taken her medication beautifully and she is back enjoying her enclosure with Jade.
The total cost for Zakara’s emergency veterinary care came to R15,000, approximately US$920. This includes Dr Peter’s call-out, examination and the medication needed to support her recovery.
We know that Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary has already received so much kindness and support, especially since the wildfire. Please know that we never take this for granted.
Every donation, message and act of kindness has helped us keep going through one of the most difficult periods in our history.
This is where your support makes a real difference.
At the moment, our main income streams remain on hold, which means public support continues to be our lifeline. Unexpected costs like Zakara’s emergency vet care can come up without warning, and your support helps us respond quickly when the animals need us most.
If you are able to contribute towards Zakara’s R15,000 (US$920) veterinary bill, any amount would mean so much. Your support will help cover this unexpected cost and allow us to keep focusing on the animals, their care and the long road of recovery ahead.
Thank you for standing with Zakara, Jade and every animal in our care.
We are also deeply grateful to The Lions Foundation for responding so quickly and helping Zakara get the care she needed.
