A Little Help for Zakara’s Emergency Care
26 May 2026 – Our beautiful lioness, Zakara, recently needed emergency veterinary care after swelling and irritation appeared around her face and ear.
Since the wildfire, Zakara and Jade have been safely staying with our trusted partners at The Lions Foundation in Bela-Bela, where they have been cared for with so much love, patience and dedication.
When the swelling appeared, everyone moved quickly to make sure Zakara got the help she needed. Our big cat specialist, Dr Peter Caldwell, was contacted and came out to examine her, assess what was happening and prescribe the medication she needed.
A sudden swelling can be the first sign that something is wrong, and with big cats, even small changes need to be taken seriously.
After examining Zakara, Dr Peter felt that she may have been bitten by a snake. Snake bites can happen with lions, which is why close daily monitoring is so important.
When something changes, whether it is swelling, irritation, discomfort or a shift in behaviour, it needs to be noticed quickly. That way, the right care can be put in place before things become more serious.
Zakara had also scratched the affected area, which caused some irritation in her ear. Thankfully, she stayed alert, stable and continued eating well, which was a very positive sign for everyone caring for her.
Dr Peter prescribed the necessary medication, and the team at The Lions Foundation continued to monitor her closely.
We are so relieved to share that Zakara has responded beautifully.
She has been taking her medication, the swelling has gone down and she is back enjoying her enclosure with Jade.
What matters most is that Zakara was watched closely, the swelling was picked up quickly and the right care was put in place. Because of that, she is now doing well.
The total cost for Zakara’s emergency veterinary care came to R15,000, approximately US$920. This includes Dr Peter’s call-out, examination and the medication needed to support her recovery.
We know that Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary has already received so much kindness and support, especially since the wildfire. Please know that we never take this for granted.
Every donation, message, share and act of kindness has helped us keep going through one of the most difficult periods in our history.
This is where your support makes a real difference.
At the moment, our main income streams remain on hold, which means public support continues to be our lifeline. Unexpected costs like Zakara’s emergency vet care can come up without warning, and your support helps us respond quickly when the animals need us most.
Even though Zakara and Jade are not physically at Panthera Africa right now, they remain our responsibility for life. Their care, their safety and their wellbeing will always matter to us. That is the promise we made to them, and it is one we will always honour.
If you are able to contribute towards Zakara’s R15,000, approximately US$920, veterinary bill, any amount would mean so much.
Your support will help cover this unexpected cost and allow us to keep focusing on our animals, their care and our long road of recovery ahead.
Zakara’s story reminds us why ongoing care matters every single day, in the quiet moments as much as the urgent ones. By becoming a Guardian to our animals through our monthly giving programme, you help provide the steady support that keeps them cared for and gives us the means to respond when they need us most.
We are also deeply grateful to The Lions Foundation for responding so quickly and helping Zakara get the care she needed. Knowing Zakara and Jade are safe, watched over and cared for with such attention means more than we can say.
Thank you for continuing to stand with Zakara, Jade, all our animals and Panthera Africa.
