Animal Communication at Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary
We pride ourselves on our unique approach to animal welfare, incorporating Intuitive Interspecies Communication (ICC), commonly known as Animal Communication (AC) in everything we do. This practice, which was initially seen as unconventional, is now supported by science-based evidence.
What is Animal Communication?
Animal Communication is telepathic communication, enabling us to understand the needs, emotions, and experiences of our animals through non-verbal, intuitive forms of interaction. It allows us to deeply connect with the animals, offering insights into their past traumas, current emotional states, and physical well-being.Our Holistic Approach
Combining purpose, passion, knowledge, and love, we’ve created a sanctuary that goes beyond traditional animal care. Our approach is rooted in responsible tourism and the highest standards of animal welfare, demonstrating that it’s possible to create meaningful, ethical tourism experiences that benefit both animals and people.Why incorporate Animal Communication?
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Understanding Trauma and Triggers
Many of our big cats come from backgrounds of neglect and exploitation. Through AC, we gain a deep understanding of their traumatic pasts, identifying triggers and emotional states that might affect their behavior. This enables us to tailor their care to meet their specific needs. -
Daily Interactions
Cathrine, Lizaene and Sammy Thompson use AC daily with the cats, ensuring that we are always attuned to their needs and well-being. This fosters a trusting relationshipbetween humans and animals. -
Visitor Experience
Visitors to Panthera Africa can immediately feel the calmness, peace, and happiness of our pride. Our guided visits educate and demonstrate the importance of AC, opening minds and hearts to the significance of treating animals with respect and understanding. -
Educational Programs
We offer courses and experiences that teach the principles of AC and ICC, empowering people to connect with animals on a deeper level. This not only enhances their understanding of animal welfare but also fosters a sense of purpose and gratitude. -
Cultural Connection
We celebrate the magnificence of big cats and their symbolic importance in African culture. Our tourism experiences, such as sunset visits and conscious walks, emphasize the historical and cultural connections between humans and wildlife. -
Tailored Care
They arrive nervous, sceptic of their new environment and often suffer from malnourishment. As they heal and their confidence grows, they communicate their boundaries more clearly. This allows us to tailor our visits to respect their needs and triggers. For example, some cats only respond positively to certain staff members near them due to past traumas, leading us to close off certain sections to tourists. -
Specific Requests
Some have specific preferences about who can approach their fence. For instance, Oliver, our white lion, initially wouldn't allow any men near his enclosure due to severe past abuse by men. We respected his wishes by delaying the sanctuary's opening to facilitate his healing. Other animals that have been in the public eye for a long time have asked to be retired from public view. -
Ethical Tourism Practices
Our ethical practices are guided by AC/ICC. From interaction and unethical practices taking place at their previous facilities, the animals have communicated their dislike of being touched by tourists and their trauma associated with food, leading us to replace feeding visits with enrichment visits. These visits allow tourists to see the animals enjoying the enrichment projects they have created, highlighting the importance of mental and physical stimulation for the animals.
Key Practices for Animal Welfare and Visitor Experience
Through ICC, the cats have clearly communicated that to benefit both tourists and animals, two key practices must be adhered to:
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Limited Visits
We limit visits to twice a day, ensuring the animals have ample time to rest without human presence. -
Educational Hosts
Each visit is guided by an educational host who passionately shares the animals' stories, industry facts, and ways visitors can make a difference in supporting the end of the exploitative wildlife industry.
Measuring Our Success
We measure our success based on the health and happiness of our animals, the profound impact AC has on individuals, and the positive changes in the captive-bred big cat industry. These achievements are reported to Responsible Tourism on an ongoing and proactive basis.
Animal Communication is not just a practice at Panthera Africa; it’s a philosophy that permeates every aspect of our sanctuary. By opening our hearts to the wisdom and needs of our big cats, we create a place of safety, healing, and mutual respect.
We invite you to experience this transformative approach and join us in our mission to create a better world for all animals and people.
“Openness to examining and practicing intuitive forms of communication across species is a necessary diplomacy in seeking interspecies cognitive justice.”
