Arabella and Baguira Rushed to Intensive Care Following Wildfire

On 8 January 2026, an uncontrollable wildfire devastated Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary. Within hours, substantial parts of the sanctuary were destroyed, most of our animals had to be evacuated to trusted partner sanctuaries and we lost our main sources of income.

Despite the measures we had in place to protect our animals and sanctuary, the scale and intensity of the fire caused extensive damage. In the days that followed, the kindness, messages and support we received from people around the world helped our team continue through one of the most difficult periods in Panthera Africa’s history.

Our greatest concern now is the recovery of Arabella, our tigress, and Baguira, our lioness. Both sustained serious fire-related injuries during the wildfire. Arabella and Baguira were initially evacuated to Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary in Plettenberg Bay, where they were given a safe place to stay while we continued to assess and monitor their injuries.

After a few days, and after consulting with our specialist veterinarian, Dr Peter Caldwell, it was decided that both cats needed to be transported to Old Chapel Veterinary Clinic in Pretoria. Their injuries required a level of specialist intensive care that could only be provided in a dedicated veterinary environment. Transporting injured big cats over such a long distance was a complex and carefully managed undertaking. However, it was necessary to ensure that Arabella and Baguira could receive the treatment, monitoring and pain management they urgently needed.

They have now been receiving round-the-clock specialist veterinary care for the past two weeks. Under Dr Peter’s close supervision, their injuries are being treated and their pain is being carefully managed. Both cats are showing gradual signs of improvement, but recovery from burn injuries in big cats is slow and unpredictable. At this stage, we do not know how long Arabella and Baguira will need to remain in intensive care. Their treatment is complex and may continue for several months. Progress comes in small steps and they will remain in specialist care for as long as necessary to give them the best possible chance of recovery.

The fire took so much from Panthera Africa in a matter of hours, but it did not take our determination or our love for our animals. Arabella and Baguira remain our absolute priority. Until they are safe, stable and strong enough to leave intensive care, their treatment and wellbeing will come first. The cost of providing long-term specialist care is considerable. Monthly donations will help us continue covering their veterinary treatment, medication, pain management and daily care for as long as they need it. If a recurring contribution is not possible, a once-off donation will also make a meaningful difference.

Help support Arabella and Baguira’s recovery

We are deeply grateful to Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary for providing Arabella and Baguira with a safe place immediately after the fire, and to Dr Peter Caldwell and the team at Old Chapel Veterinary Clinic for the specialist care they continue to provide.

We are also deeply grateful to everyone who has already donated, shared their story or kept them in their thoughts and prayers. Your support is helping us provide the treatment, comfort and specialised attention they need each day.

With love and appreciation,

Cathrine S. Nyquist and Lizaene Cornwall
Co-founders, Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary

P.S. From all of us at Panthera Africa, and from Arabella and Baguira, thank you for helping us give them the comfort, care and treatment they need each day. We could not do this without you.

Read our January 2026 newsletter, After the Ashes, here.