Queen Baguira Returns Home After Weeks of Intensive Care!
In late February 2026, we reached an important milestone in our recovery when our lioness Baguira returned home to Panthera Africa after spending several weeks in intensive care.
Baguira sustained serious fire-related injuries during the devastating wildfire on 8 January. She required specialist veterinary treatment, close monitoring and ongoing care. After responding well to treatment, she was cleared by our specialist veterinarian, Dr Peter Caldwell, to leave intensive care and continue her recovery at the sanctuary.
Our partner, the Born Free Foundation, kindly made one of its enclosures on our property available for Baguira’s return. Designed specifically for cats with special needs, the enclosure provided a safe and suitable space where she could continue her rehabilitation under the careful supervision of our team.
When she arrived, Baguira was safe and doing well. She was resting, eating and drinking water, which was exactly what she needed at that stage. Our priority was to keep her surroundings calm and quiet while giving her the time and space she needed to settle and adjust.
We are deeply grateful to Lourens van Heerden and VH Wildlife Solutions for bringing Baguira safely home. The care and dedication shown throughout her journey gave us the reassurance that she was in the best possible hands.
We also extend our sincere thanks to Dr Peter Caldwell for the exceptional treatment, expertise and continued support he provided to both Baguira and Arabella. His care played an invaluable role in helping our girls through their injuries and recovery.
Bringing Baguira home was only possible because of the extraordinary support we received from people around the world. Every donation helped us provide the intensive veterinary treatment and ongoing care she needed. Every message and act of kindness also helped carry our team through one of the most difficult periods in Panthera Africa’s history.
Thank you to everyone who stood beside Baguira throughout her intensive care and journey home. We could not have done this without you.
