Our Special Arabella Is Home
Our beautiful tigress Arabella arrived safely back at Panthera Africa yesterday after spending several months in intensive care. Having her home again means more than we can put into words.
Arabella sustained serious fire-related injuries during the devastating wildfire on 8 January. Her condition required specialist veterinary treatment, constant monitoring and months of dedicated care under the close supervision of our specialist veterinarian, Dr Peter Caldwell. Her recovery progressed slowly and every decision had to be guided by what was safest and best for her.
Arabella’s previous enclosure was completely destroyed after the fire spread through dense, uncleared alien vegetation on a neighbouring property. Her night house ultimately saved her life. The moisture-rich vegetation surrounding it, which burns slowly, helped protect the structure and prevented the fire from completely engulfing Arabella and the space in which she had taken shelter.
Her return is an important milestone, but it is also deeply emotional. This is Arabella’s first time home without her lifelong companion and best friend, Rays.
Before their rescue, Rays lived alongside Arabella, her brother Aries and eight other tigers on a breeding farm. After Aries was killed for the tiger bone trade, Rays became Arabella’s companion, brother and source of comfort as she grieved his loss. Their bond remained a significant part of both their lives.
Our partner, the Born Free Foundation, kindly made one of its enclosures on our property available for Arabella’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.
The enclosure had previously been home to our beloved Jubatus, who passed away in 2025. His lasting gift to our Pride is protection. We know that he, along with Achilles, Galaxy and Rays, will be watching over Arabella as she continues to heal.
Bringing Arabella home was only possible because of the extraordinary support we received from people around the world. Every donation helped us provide the specialist treatment, intensive care and ongoing support 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.
We are deeply grateful to Dr Peter and his team for the exceptional care they gave Arabella, and to Lourens van Heerden from VH Wildlife Solutions for bringing her safely home.
For now, our focus is on giving Arabella the space and time she needs to rest and settle into her new surroundings. Her recovery is not over and we will move gently, allowing her to adjust at her own pace while continuing to give her the individual, specialised care she needs.
Thank you to every person who supported Arabella and kept her in their thoughts and prayers. Our girl is finally home, where she belongs, with Rays’ light surrounding her always.
