About Us

Panthera Africa is a non-profit company (NPC no. 2014/002629/08), founded by Lizaene Cornwall and Cathrine S. Nyquist.

The name Panthera Africa was inspired by Lizaene and Cathrine’s deep passion for the four Panthera species: Panthera leo, the lion; Panthera pardus, the leopard; Panthera onca, the jaguar and Panthera tigris, the tiger.

Panthera Africa is an environmentally friendly sanctuary for captive-bred big cats, where they are protected and cared for for the rest of their lives.

One of Panthera Africa’s main purposes is education. Through awareness, we help people understand the conditions many big cats face in captivity and why animal welfare and enrichment are so important in giving them the best captive life possible.

We are a true sanctuary. This means there is no hands-on interaction, no breeding and no trading. Our focus is on lifelong care, protection and respect for the animals who call Panthera Africa home.

Panthera Africa also aims to be a blueprint for how a non-profit sanctuary, centred around animal welfare, can become self-sufficient. Through this work, we hope to help change breeding facilities into sustainable and ethical projects.

We believe strongly in the connection between environmental and wildlife conservation. Our aim is to become a green big cat sanctuary in South Africa, running on solar energy and reducing our environmental impact wherever possible.

Panthera Africa has found its 40-hectare paradise, with a beautiful home for the animals, the founders and the many volunteers who visit. The land offers peaceful open space, beautiful vegetation, a natural spring and an incredible 180-degree mountain view.

We strongly believe in the saying, “In unity there is strength.” By standing together, human and animal, we believe in the possibility of a better future for big cats and we take pride in speaking on their behalf.