Organisations and people across South Africa banded together to bring leopards, lions, jaguars and tigers to safety after fires ripped through Stanford.
Cape Town, South Africa (12 January 2026) – The past week arrived with some of the most difficult days and nights Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary has ever faced.
The NPO is a safe haven for captive-bred big cats, including lions, leopards, jaguars and tigers, as well as other farm animals in the Western Cape.
Wildfires swept through Stanford last week. Flames moved with speed, forcing the team to make impossible decisions in a race against time. The priority was to save as many lives as they possibly could, while a devastating fire approached
With smoke closing in, Panthera put the plea out to everyone and anyone who could help.
And as South Africans famously do – people stepped in. Entire organisations united to help relocate the big cats to safety. One by one, people opened their gates, freed up space, mobilised transport and donated.
“The support we’ve received from partner organisations and sanctuaries has been overwhelming, and while fires continue to burn around the sanctuary, as difficult as it is to say, we know we made the right decision for the safety and wellbeing of our animals,” the sanctuary shared on Sunday.
Many animals were carefully relocated across the country, and fast.
Panthera’s resident Leopards, Gabriel and Pardus, were welcomed by Ashia in Paarl.
Arabella the tiger, Baguira the lion and servals Lekanya and Kamagelo were taken in by Jukani in Plettenberg Bay.
Lionesses Jade and Zakara travelled 18 hours to reach safety at the Lions Foundation in Bela-Bela.
White lionesses Lei-ah and Elsa found refuge at ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in the Free State.
King lions Chaka, Oliver, Neptune, Ivana and Karlos were received at Lionsrock (Four Paws) in Bethlehem.
Balozi and Mahaba were welcomed by Shamwari in the Eastern Cape.
“We are endlessly grateful to the sanctuaries and organisations caring for our pride when we couldn’t be there. While our hearts are heavy, our love and commitment for each animal remains unwavering.”
Sadly, not every animal made a safe exit.
Panthera confirmed their beloved tiger, Rays, has passed away after suffering severe smoke inhalation. The team managed to get him to safety and rush him to their clinic, but the damage to his lungs was fatal.
“There are no words to fully capture how we feel, and nothing seems enough to honour him,” the sanctuary shared in mourning. “Thank you, our Raysie Boy, for always sharing your love and kindness. It has been an absolute honour to be your guardians. Your magical chuffs will forever echo throughout our sanctuary and far beyond.”
Healing will take time, and so will rebuilding.
Panthera is focused on looking after the smaller animals still in their care, and finding their feet after the fire, which caused damage to the sanctuary’s infrastructure. Some animals are still in need of veterinary care, reports state.
“Thank you for being there for us in our time of need. Right now, we need to rest with Rays and find peace, so we can begin to understand where we go from here.”
If you would like to support the sanctuary, visit this link.
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