Hello John,

Over the past week, devastating wildfires have swept through South Africa’s Western Cape, threatening rescued big cats at our partner sanctuary, Panthera Africa.

When Panthera Africa made the courageous decision to evacuate their animals, Born Free was proud to step in and help alongside ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, FOUR PAWS Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary, The Lions Foundation SA, and Ashia Cheetah Conservation.

We acted fast to ensure every animal was safe. Our team from Born Free’s Shamwari Big Cat Sanctuary and our partner Shamwari Private Game Reserve drove ten hours through the night to relocate three of our animals: Lancelot, a 17-year-old male lion, and two of our four servals, Balozi and Mahaba. The other two servals, Lekanya and Kamogelo, were moved to safety at Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary.

“We are incredibly proud to have been able to respond so quickly and help Panthera Africa during this crisis. Seeing Lancelot and the servals safe and settling into their new homes is a huge relief. This is what Born Free stands for, being there when animals need us most”, said Catherine Gillson, Born Free’s Big Cat Sanctuary Manager.

Today, all the big cats are safe, but the future is uncertain. Their lives have been uprooted. They are adapting to temporary homes. And we do not yet know what the next steps will be for our cats. We may need to upgrade or build new enclosures. We may need to transport the animals again to ensure their long-term safety and well-being. Every decision will be made with their welfare at heart.

What we do know is this: Born Free will care for these animals for as long as needed, with loving expertise and unwavering commitment. But we urgently need your help to make that possible.

Please donate now. Your generosity could help:

• Provide emergency veterinary care, nutrition, and species-specific enrichment

• Stabilise and upgrade temporary facilities – ensuring calm, secure spaces

• The ability to plan for the unknown: we may need to build new enclosures or transport animals to safe, permanent homes

• Stand by Panthera Africa – with support during the aftermath of the fires

Your gift today could be the difference between what is possible and what is best for Lancelot, Balozi and Mahaba.

Donate now and stand with us, because when wild animals need urgent help, Born Free acts.

Thank you for being there when animals need us most.

With gratitude,

The Born Free Team

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