Become an Ambassador

As a Non-Profit Organisation, our achievements and our continued efforts are made possible through the invaluable support from our dedicated community. As an ambassador for Panthera Africa, you play a crucial role not only in raising funds but also in spreading awareness about our mission to end the exploitative captive big cat industry. By hosting collaborative events, engaging in advocacy, or leading educational initiatives, you help us educate the public on key issues and drive meaningful change. Whether through fundraising or as an ambassador of awareness, your contributions are vital in supporting Panthera Africa’s commitment to these majestic animals and their welfare.

The critical need to halt the excessive breeding of captive lions and other big cats
The current absence of animal welfare at breeding facilities and bone trade farms
The cruel practices of canned lion hunting
The confinement of over 8,000 lions in captivity
The many unethical tourism practices that fuel the exploitation of the big cats
The recognition of all animals as sentient beings who deserve respect, acknowledgment, and love

By spreading the word of how to run an ethical, true sanctuary, you are literally saving big cats lives.

Signup & request to become an Ambassador

"Be the change that you wish to see in the world"

Mahatma Gandhi

Vision & Mission

Vision

The Panthera Africa Ambassador program is an integral part of realising the vision of Panthera Africa – a world where all animals, people and nature are equally respected, acknowledged and loved. If you envision the sanctuary itself as the root and stem of a beautiful tree of life, the green luscious leafy branches that reach far and wide are the Ambassadors spreading the Panthera Africa principles and love all over the world. It is instrumental to share the responsibility of our mission with all our stakeholders and stand united with one collective voice. In unity there is strength and in order to realise our vision a lot of strength is needed, both in order to fund and run the sanctuary successfully, as well as awakening minds and hearts all over the world to the reality of what is going on, and to achieve our overall mission.

Mission

As ambassadors of Panthera Africa, your role is to:

Act as the extended arm of our sanctuary within your community, carrying our vision and spirit wherever you are
Raise awareness by utilizing social media, engaging with news outlets, delivering presentations in schools, universities, and/or workplaces, and/or organizing screenings of impactful documentaries.
Drive fundraising efforts by choosing from a variety of activities that resonate with you, such as launching social media campaigns, participating in sports events to raise funds per kilometer, hosting dinners, or selling merchandise like calendars and puzzles. You're encouraged to get creative with your fundraising, whether that means organising hair-shaving challenges or embarking on other unique activities. Feel free to select some or most of these options based on what suits you best.
Support the structure of our ambassador community, including the appointment of a 'golden leader' in each country to coordinate local ambassadors, ensuring unity and effective distribution of resources and information.

Volunteer Ambassador

Our Volunteer Ambassadors are the heartbeat of our mission, individuals who have previously dedicated their time and skills to our cause. This program is tailored for those who have experienced the impact of our work firsthand and are eager to extend their commitment by promoting our initiatives, sharing their personal experiences, and inspiring others to join our cause. Whether you’ve helped on the ground or supported us behind the scenes, your continued involvement as a Volunteer Ambassador is invaluable in spreading our message far and wide.

Celebrity Ambassador

Celebrity Ambassadors are distinguished individuals known for their influence, talent, and public recognition who have chosen to lend their voice to our cause. This prestigious role is for those in the public eye who are passionate about our mission and wish to use their platform to raise awareness, encourage public engagement, and drive support for our initiatives. By connecting with fans and followers, Celebrity Ambassadors play a critical role in amplifying our reach and impact.

Junior Ambassador

Our Junior Ambassador program welcomes the youngest advocates of our mission: spirited children from school visits and passionate individuals who are eager to make a difference. This program empowers the next generation to take action for a cause they believe in, providing them with the tools and platform to share their enthusiasm, engage with their peers, and contribute to our efforts in meaningful ways. Whether through educational activities, fundraising, or spreading awareness, our Junior Ambassadors are vital in inspiring change within their communities.

Supporter Ambassador

The Supporter Ambassador program is designed for the everyday hero who believes in the power of collective action. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or newly acquainted with our work, this role is an opportunity to champion our cause within your own network. From sharing our stories on social media to hosting fundraising events, Supporter Ambassadors are crucial in building a strong, supportive community around our mission. No gesture is too small, and everyone’s contribution is celebrated in our collective journey towards lasting change.

Awareness Ambassador

Welcome to the Panthera Africa Awareness Ambassador Program! This role is ideal for those passionate about education and advocacy, focusing on spreading knowledge and fostering understanding about the plight of big cats and the importance of ethical wildlife practices.

National Biodiversity Economy Strategy

Dive into our detailed summary of South Africa’s National Biodiversity Economy Strategy, released by Minister Barbara Creecy, which aims to synergize economic growth with the conservation of our unique wildlife and habitats. Learn how the strategy plans to expand ecotourism, manage wildlife sustainably, and more. For an in-depth understanding of each component and Panthera Africa’s perspective, click here:

Explore our summary of South Africa’s National Biodiversity Economy Strategy, which outlines the nation’s plan to balance economic growth with the conservation of our unique wildlife and habitats. Summary of the revised draft National Biodiversity Economy Strategy, released by Minister Barbara Creecy. Key components of the strategy include:

Further to number 2. Sustainable Use of Wildlife, it’s clear that while the strategy aims to balance conservation with economic benefits, Panthera Africa does not believe this proposal fully encompasses a holistic approach to using wildlife resources.

1. Transformation and Land Use: This involves integrating more previously disadvantaged individuals and communities into wildlife-based economies, thus promoting equitable economic growth.
2.Economic Growth Through Game Use: It aims to utilize game animals not only for eco-tourism and trophy hunting but also for products like game meat, which can be a sustainable source of income for local communities. The strategy outlines plans to increase the GDP contribution from these activities significantly by 2036.
3.Ethical and Regulated Hunting: The strategy includes provisions for managed and ethical hunting practices that contribute to conservation efforts and help manage animal populations sustainably. This includes fair-chase hunting, which is hunting animals in their natural habitats under fair conditions that do not give undue advantage to the hunter.
4.Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in wildlife management is another critical aspect. This involves not just employment but also empowering them to manage resources sustainably and share in the benefits derived from wildlife.
5.Enhancing Conservation Areas: By expanding the area under conservation and improving the management of these areas, the strategy seeks to enhance habitats for wildlife while also growing the sectors of the economy based on wildlife.

Panthera Africa advocates for a model that prioritises ethical wildlife practices and conservation education, without supporting the utilization of game animals for eco-tourism, trophy hunting, or products like game meat. This stance aligns with our commitment to a sustainable future for wildlife that truly respects and protects their well-being and habitats.

To truly understand the big cat trade in South Africa watch Lion$, Bone$ & Bullet$ a documentary that sheds light onto South Africa’s controversial commercial captive lion industry and follows the wildlife trafficking trail to Laos and Vietnam. British author, Richard Peirce, talks to lion farmers in South Africa, who are exporting lion bones to Southeast Asia for the traditional medicine trade, supplementing tiger bones. He uncovers the elaborate wildlife fraud of processing lion bones into “food products”, which could contain zoonotic diseases that can potentially lead to another pandemic. The UK production company, Jagged Peak Films, is behind this new investigative film with producers Anton Leach, Jasmine Duthie and Richard Peirce, and is narrated by the British actor, Peter Egan.

Fundraiser Event Application

Thank you for your application to support Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary. Panthera Africa acknowledges that all the details requested below might not yet be readily available. Please provide as much information as possible so that we can get a good idea of your proposed event. Please note that submission of an application does not guarantee approval.

Name / Group / Organisation

Capacity

Contact number (with country code):

Tell us in less than 200 words how and why you want to make a difference?

Read T&Cs

I accept that any funds raised through this event must be remitted to Panthera Africa within one month of the event, as per the Fundraising Guidelines.
I have read, understood, and agree to comply with these fundraising guidelines:

The event organiser undertakes that it shall not bring the name or the logo of PA into disrepute.
It is understood that the event organiser is not a representative of PA, but is rather raising funds in support of the PA.
It is the event organiser’s sole responsibility to ensure that the event has adequate insurance cover and/or relevant licenses, and the fundraiser acknowledges that he/she organises the event entirely at their own risk. PA cannot accept any responsibility for any loss, damage or injury that results from the event.
Unless specifically agreed in writing, the event organiser will not be entitled to remuneration from PA for the organising of the event.
PA acknowledges that reasonable costs may be accrued by the event organiser as part of organising the event. If these costs are to be covered by the funds raised, this must be made clear and apparent at all times when promoting PA as the fundraiser beneficiary.
The event organiser agrees to, before or after the conclusion of the event, make available a report of the event costs and monies raised, should PA request such a report.
Panthera Africa’s logo and NPO number must be included on all promotional materials that the fundraiser creates. If the promotional materials are to include images of the big cats, these may only be chosen from a selection of pre-approved images provided by PA – no third party images may be used unless specifically agreed by PA in writing. The final design of any promotional materials containing PA’s name or logo must be submitted to PA for approval, before production or any online/offline publication. Designs are to be submitted to projects@pantheraafrica.com and will be reviewed timeously.
PA reserves the right to reassess its involvement in any third party event, at any time. At its sole discretion, PA may withdraw permission for the event organiser to make use of any promotional materials that make reference to PA and/or any aspect of the project.
The event organiser undertakes to remit all funds raised to PA via the NPC’s approved channels, within a maximum of one month after the event.
PA has no obligation to promote or publicise the event through its communication channels, and any such promotion is at the NPC’s sole discretion.

How to Create a Fundraiser

Choose a Platform

Choosing a Crowdfunding Platform

General Crowdfunding Platforms

What to consider when choosing a platform Audience: Consider where your potential supporters are based. Local platform for local audiences, international platforms for broader reach.
Fees: Compare platform fees and transaction costs.
Ease of Use: Choose platforms that are user-friendly, both for campaign creators and donors.
Support and Resources: Some platforms offer guides, tutorials, and personal support to help you succeed.

Kickstarter

Best known for creative projects like games, technology, art, and design

Indiegogo

Supports a wide range of campaigns, including inventions, creative works, and community projects, with a flexible funding option

GoFundMe

Popular for personal and charitable causes, including medical bills, education costs, and community projects

Fundly

Allows fundraising for anything, with a focus on ease of use and social media sharing

Nonprofit and Social Causes

CauseVox

A platform designed for nonprofit fundraising, including peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns

Charity Navigator

Offers a crowdfunding platform specifically for accredited charities, focusing on transparency and trust

GlobalGiving

A global crowdfunding platform for grassroots charitable projects around the world

Campaign Ideas

Ideas for Successful Campaigns

General Crowdfunding Platforms

Campaign Ideas:

Idea #1

"Walk / Run / Ride for the Pride"

Idea #2

Host a "Funds for the Pride"
fundraising dinner or dance.

Idea #3

Organise a sporting event
raising funds like
(dodgeball, kickball, basketball)
with friends and family at a local gym/field.

Idea #4

A board/card game night,
and have every person
donate $5-10 to play.

Idea #5

Hold a fundraiser event at a local bowling alley, laser tag, roller skating rink, etc. with your employer, church or community centre.

Idea #6

Sell raffle tickets.

Idea #7

"Art for the Pride" Auction. Host an art auction where local artists donate wildlife-themed artwork, sculptures, or crafts. The event can be held in person or online, with proceeds going to the Panthera Africa.

Idea #8

"Paws and Paint" night. Organise a guided painting class where attendees paint wildlife or nature scenes. Partner with art supply stores for materials and charge entry fees for the class.

Idea #9

Wildlife Photography Contest. Charge an entry fee for participants to submit their best wildlife photos. Winners can have their work featured and sold on the Panthera Africa online store, with proceeds supporting the pride.

Idea #10

Eco-Friendly Market Day. Host a market day or fair that promotes eco-friendly and sustainable goods. Vendors can donate a portion of their sales to the fundraiser.

Idea #11

"Run Wild" Virtual Challenge. Create a virtual running, walking, or cycling challenge where participants track their distances over a month. Participants raise funds through sponsorship from their network.

Idea #12

Sanctuary Workshops or Talks. Have Cat & Liz live via ZOOM giving talks or workshops on various topics. Charge for tickets or ask for donations.

Idea #13

"Picnic for the Pride" event. Organise a picnic day in a local park, with live music and food stalls. Entry fees or donations can be collected for the sanctuary.

Idea #14

Wildlife Quiz Night. Host a quiz night with a wildlife or conservation theme. Teams can pay to enter, and you could offer our digital PAW Paintings and Prints as prizes for the winners.

Idea #15

"Crafts for Cats" workshop. Offer a craft workshop where participants make animal-themed items, like jewellery, home decor, or art pieces. Charge for participation and sell additional crafted items.

Idea #16

Sponsor an animal. Launch a campaign where individuals or groups can sponsor a specific animal related project (veterinary bills) or the care. Provide updates and exclusive content about the progress and impact of their sponsorship.

Idea #17

"Bake for the Brave" sale. Organise a bake sale with a twist—encourage bakers to create animal-themed treats. Use social media to promote the event and attract a larger crowd.

Idea #18

"Tee Off for Tigers" Golf Tournament. Organise a charity golf tournament. Participants can form teams and pay an entry fee, with options for sponsoring holes or donating a percentage of the winnings.

Idea #19

"Stars for the Pride" night. Organise a stargazing event with a local astronomy club. Offer a night of stargazing and learning about constellations, with entry fees going to the sanctuary.

Promoting the Fundraiser

General Crowdfunding Platforms

Social Media

Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to share your story. Utilize hashtags, tag influential accounts, and share engaging content like photos and videos of the animals and the sanctuary.

Local Community

Engage local businesses, schools, and community centres to support your campaign through local events, or partnerships.

Email Campaigns

Email Campaigns: Send out a compelling email to friends, family, and supporters detailing your mission and how their support can make a difference using tools like Mailchimp.

Tools for Success

Tools and Information for Success

General Crowdfunding Platforms

Fundraising Toolkit: A toolkit is provided that includes sample social media posts, email templates, high-quality images and videos, fundraising tips, and FAQs.
Training Sessions: We offer training sessions or webinars on how to effectively use social media, storytelling techniques, and other fundraising strategies.
Regular Updates: We provide regular updates to our supporters to provide regular updates to their supporters, sharing progress, thanking donors, and keeping the momentum going.
Support Network: We have a support network where ambassadors can share ideas, challenges, and successes. This can be a private Facebook or WhatsApp group or a regular meetup.

Remember, the key to a successful fundraiser is engagement. Together we will encourage each other to share personal stories about why Panthera Africa’s mission matters to you. Your passion and love for the animals and our cause is what will open the hearts of your receivers.