A local artist found a simple but powerful way to help Panthera after tragic fires. She painted, sold her work, and sent the proceeds straight to the sanctuary.
Western Cape, South Africa (16 January 2025) – When fires overwhelmed Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary in Stanford, help flooded through in every form. Some people opened their properties to big cats who urgently needed to be relocated. Others offered transport for them. One local artist picked up her paintbrush…
Overberg artist Antoinette Coetzee reached out to Panthera after seeing the devastation left behind by the blaze.
All of their big cats had to be urgently relocated, some all the way across the country. The sanctuary’s beloved tiger, Rays, sadly didn’t make it. Smoke inhalation had fatally impacted his lungs.
It’s heartbreaking. But here was also hope. Helpers. People who went the extra mile to make sure that no other animal would suffer the same fate.
Antionette was one of them. She used her art to support the sanctuary’s recovery.
She painted Max, a caracal who lives at Panthera and has become one of the sanctuary’s most recognisable residents. The oil painting was framed and put up for sale, with half of the proceeds committed to helping cover care costs and rebuilding efforts.
“We are so deeply grateful to Antoinette Coetzee for reaching out to support Panthera Africa during one of the hardest times in our sanctuary’s history, after the devastating wildfire.” shared the sanctuary.
Then one painting suddenly became two!
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The Sweet Bond That Turned a Stranded Township Kitten’s Life AroundA second artwork featuring Nomad, an older lion from Kruger National Park, was also sold to support the sanctuary. Both pieces were bought by Lou, a visitor from the UK who learned about the fire and wanted to help.
Antoinette also helped spotlight fellow creative Anna from Lief Like Anna, who makes handmade earrings inspired by the sanctuary’s cats. Every cent from those sales is also being donated to Panthera.
“Even in such a difficult time it’s incredible to witness how connection, creativity and generosity come together and how new collaborations are formed.” shared Panthera.
And that’s how helping works. You don’t need to have loads of money or resources to shine your light in dark times. Sometimes, helping looks like using your gifts and talents to make an impact.
“We encourage the public to support local artists whenever you can – kindness expressed through art not only supports causes like ours but uplifts the creative souls who give so much of themselves.” shared Panthera.
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