Wildfires at Panthera Africa
We Urgently Need Your Support
On 8 January 2026, a devastating wildfire destroyed large parts of Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary in Stanford, Western Cape, South Africa. The damage to our facilities is extensive. Several big cat camps and key infrastructure have been destroyed, including our electrical fencing, leaving us heartbroken.
Thankfully, our amazing team was able to keep all 26 of our animals safe and successfully moved those directly under threat from the fires to safety. Most of our animals came through without critical injuries.
Sadly, despite all our efforts, our beloved tiger, Rays, did not survive. The combination of massive smoke inhalation and the darting caused severe lung oedema and cardio-respiratory compromise. He went into a coma and passed away peacefully on Saturday, 10 January. There are no words to capture the grief we all feel.
Rays was a true fighter, radiating an inner strength and calm that touched everyone who met him. Even in his absence, we feel him urging us to stay strong and carry on – a gift he brought to our pride every single day.
"Rays, in your memory, we will keep going. We all love you and miss you more than words can say."
Today, our priority is raising the significant funds needed to cover the costs related to this disaster. This includes essential firefighting support, emergency veterinary treatment and preparations to relocate our big cats to other sanctuaries across South Africa for their safety.
All our cats are currently receiving excellent care, and most are doing well. Unfortunately, some are still being treated for severe burn-related injuries. A few are taking a little longer to settle, which is completely understandable given the trauma and confusion they have experienced.
On 8 January, we also lost our main sources of income: our volunteer program, educational visits and curio shop merchandise sales. We desperately need funds to provide ongoing care for the smaller animals that remain with us, as well as to cover our ongoing expenses and support our dedicated team for what is, at this time, an uncertain period.
Our Panthera Africa team is essential to the daily care of the animals and the sanctuary, and they are truly part of our pride, which is now heartbreakingly split.
The full extent of the damage and costs will only be known once it is safe to properly assess the situation, which will take time, especially as flare-ups of fires continue in the area. Our team remains on fire alert and has not stopped putting out fires and caring for the animals since disaster struck our sanctuary. Any additional funds raised will be allocated towards recovery and rebuilding efforts once we determine our next steps, with the entire team playing a vital role in every stage of the process.
So many concerned supporters have asked HOW they can help, and for this, we are beyond grateful.
We humbly ask anyone who can help to please donate. This is the most immediate way to help, and every donation, no matter the amount, will directly support our team in their nonstop work to manage this critical situation and keep us going at a time when we feel broken, frightened and overwhelmed.
Donate
Banking Details
Panthera Africa NPC
First National Bank
A/N: 62459961142
B/C: 250655
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
Many supporters have asked if they can start their own BackaBuddy or crowdfunding campaign to help us, and the answer is YES!! Please start a campaign, share it with friends, family and your wider network, and help us reach more people.
To support you in the BackaBuddy campaign setup process, the incredible BackaBuddy team has kindly offered their help and is available to answer any questions you may have. All the information and images needed to create your own campaign can be found via this link.
This is what we need most right now, and it’s a real way to stand with us in unity. Every bit of support will make a difference.
Thank you for your care and compassion, and for holding us up when we need you most. We truly don’t know what we would do without all of you.
Every contribution—no matter the size—makes a real difference. Whether you choose a once-off donation or ongoing sponsorship, your support helps us continue saving lives and providing the best care possible for our beloved pride.
