The Team
"Your calling is something that moves you like nothing else in life. It’s something you’re attracted to, something you’re passionate about, and it fills you with joy and sets your heart on fire when you do it!"
The Founders

Lizaene
Lizaene Cornwall
From a dream to a reality
While providing, managing and working closely with eight different species of predators, I observed and experienced each species’ uniqueness and capabilities, and realised that protecting and caring for big cats is my calling in life. The foundation for Panthera Africa was laid, and the desire to rescue and care for the big cats in need powered my already big love, passion and admiration for them! My eagerness to educate myself led me to learn about the truth about captive breeding, exploitation of big cats and illegal wildlife trade. Through my story and amazing connection with my ambassador animals, I aim to reach the hearts of thousands so everyone can understand how amazing these animals are, and that they should be respected and protected.

Cat
Cathrine Nyquist
My magical journey
I used to be one of those typical business ladies with a degree in business and finance, climbing the career ladder, enjoying the jet set life with wining and dining, and having the freedom to travel the world. In September 2011 I was going to start what I was sure was my dream job – a broker in the most up and coming commercial real estate company in Oslo. Two weeks before start up, I sat on a plane to South Africa and was going to volunteer at a breeding project. Little did I know that this choice was going to change my life in every possible way.
After two additional trips to the project, I permanently moved to South Africa in May 2012, and started to assist Lizaene with all her tasks. My days were quickly filled with lots of work and the best thing of all – a lot of indescribable animal time. I was living in a magical world, falling in love every single day with three small furry friends that captured my heart and soul. Little did I know that one of the lions I fell in love with was going away to a breeding and trading farm, and the thought of this place’s possible connection with the canned hunting industry tore my world apart. However hard this separation was, I am grateful for the fire this little lion started inside of me, – to save him and all the other lions that are a part of this unethical industry.
Today I have started this project and I am following my dream of saving the big cats. I feel truly blessed to have found my purpose in life, and that I can now make use of my experience from the business world to do what I have dreamt of for so long – uniting for the survival of the lions that have stolen my heart and soul.
The Staff

Taryn
Taryn Shanna Blows
Director & Head Animal Caretaker
From the moment I met Cat and Lizaene I was inspired! Once I learned more about what they were doing for these animals, I wanted nothing more than to be a part of it. I have a deep love and connection with nature and all its animals and being at Panthera Africa really is like coming home. It is a huge privilege to be able to speak up for those who don’t have a voice!

Heather
Heather Blackstock
Social Media | Marketing | Communications Manager
I had the privilege of visiting Panthera Africa with my children and friends from out of town on more than one occasion. I was in awe of these incredible animals and the hardships they had overcome, and of the sanctuary, its staff and founders. When I saw the post being advertised for the marketing manager position, I knew in my heart that it was meant to be! Knowing that in some way I contribute to their well-being and walking with purpose in my heart every day, is the best gift anyone could ever ask for.

XXX
Exciting News
New Staff Member Starting Soon
We will keep you posted!

Mieke
Mieke Tait
Office Manager
I have always had a love for animals so when the position as Office Manager at Panthera Africa came available, I felt it was fate. Through my years in the hospitality and film industry I have gained many life skills and experiences, and I am excited to now make use of these in this position. It gives me great joy to be able to contribute to this purposeful cause. As Office Manager, I have the best of both worlds by looking after the human and animal pride and proud to be part of this incredible project.

Tynika
Tynika Tiribeni
Volunteer Coordinator
Wildlife and big cats have always held a special place in my heart. I’m honoured that I can help them live the best lives they can and to hopefully have as big an impact on them as they have on me! The love, care and concern put into the daily lives of these animals is inspiring and is what inspires me to give my 200% for them every day!

Cathinka
Cathinka Sommerfelt
I first came to Panthera Africa as a volunteer and soon fell in love with both the human and animal pride.
Seeing the passion the staff have for these animals, was really inspiring, and I am now honoured to be a part of the team full time. Contributing to their care and giving them the love they deserve, has changed my life.

Michiel De Kock
Farm Manager

Lin Brickhill-Smith
Volunteer Manager
When I first reached out to Cat (at Panthera Africa), I took an intuitive leap based on a dream I had as a child… I spent much of my time during my childhood in the bush in Zimbabwe, at National Parks, witnessing and appreciating the marvel and wonders of animals in the wild. I spent countless hours watching, drawing and learning all about the wild animals I was in awe of. I dreamt of becoming a game ranger, looking after and helping to preserve animals in their natural wild state and habitat. My life then took many other twists and turns along the way that led me to experience various interesting and enriching journeys. Now I feel as if this childhood dream has taken a different form – one enabling me to support and look after captive big cats, who no longer have the possibility of living in the wild, but nonetheless deserve a life filled with respect, love and kindness. This is exactly what the team at Panthera Africa does, and what inspires me… to spend every day in service of these magnificent animals, helping them to live a life with dignity and in conditions that are as natural and kind as possible.
Our House Residents
Tarzan (9 November 2015)
Kira (8 August 2015)
Leonardo aka Leo (Born 1 September 2016)
Orion (Born 2 June 2018)
Buddha (Born 2 June 2018)
In Memoriam
Scorgo (12 September 2002 – 17 October 2017)
Neo (17 October 2014 – April 2018)
They say every feeling and thought that you have is somehow a signal from the universe… When Lizaene got up this morning she had a feeling that we should visit our local animal welfare shelter. On arrival she immediately noticed a kitten in a wendy house and the forces of nature pulled her excited heart closer. That’s when we saw this tortoise shell tubby kitten, named Maya. She was rescued from a local honey factory where she was trying to fight off two German shepherds for food. Without a doubt her brave and cheeky personality shone through and we knew she would be the newest member of our pride.
On our way home we were thinking about all the new beginnings we are granted in life, and that now she is also given a new beginning, this is why we decided to name her Neo which means “New beginnings”.