Panthera Africa is an internationally recognized, award-winning, non-profit big cat sanctuary in the Western Cape, South Africa. Home to 27 rescued lions, tigers, leopards, caracals, and servals, the sanctuary provides a lifelong, ethical haven free from breeding, trading, or interaction.
Founded by Lizaene Cornwall and Cathrine S. Nyquist, Panthera Africa was born from their eye-opening experience in the exploitative big cat tourism industry. Determined to create change, they established a sanctuary where big cats receive the care, dignity, and respect they deserve, while also educating the public on the realities of captive wildlife.
Through educational visits, ethical tourism initiatives, and collaborations with global conservation leaders, Panthera Africa is pioneering responsible big cat welfare. The sanctuary has received multiple international awards, including TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards, and the WTM Responsible Tourism Award.
At Panthera Africa, we believe awareness leads to change. Our mission is to inspire responsible tourism and advocate for the ethical treatment of captive big cats, ensuring a future where exploitation no longer exists.
Watch the arrival of the big cats at Panthera Africa:
Find out more at pantheraafrica.com
Empowers Africa has partnered with Panthera Africa in order to provide a cost-effective solution to fundraising in the United States by acting as their fiscal sponsor. Any donations made here will be granted to Panthera Africa.
Empowers Africa uses Stripe to process credit card donations. Stripe has very stringent security rules which may lead to declined credit card transactions. If you are experiencing trouble processing your donation, kindly contact Nadia Derelieva at (917) 328-1611 or via email: nadia@empowersafrica.org
Panthera Africa Campaigns
Help Feed Us
Every month, we invest R300,000 to feed our pride—ensuring they receive species-appropriate, high-quality meat and essential supplements. This translates to an annual food and supplement budget of R3.6 million, a critical but non-negotiable investment in their health and happiness.
Your generosity helps us provide our animals with the nourishment they need to live fulfilling lives in a safe and ethical sanctuary. By contributing, you become an essential part of their well-being, directly impacting their health and longevity.
Care Now
Ensuring the health and longevity of Panthera Africa’s pride requires continuous veterinary care, essential medications, and critical supplies. Each big cat in our sanctuary relies on regular medical treatments, vitamins, and specialized care to maintain optimal well-being.
From preventive treatments like dewormers and fly repellents to vital medications such as pain relief, antibiotics, and immune-boosting supplements, every aspect of their healthcare is meticulously managed. These treatments help our animals thrive, recover from past traumas, and enjoy the highest standard of welfare.
However, medical emergencies can arise unexpectedly, requiring urgent veterinary intervention, surgeries, or specialized treatments. These unforeseen situations often come with significant costs, and we must frequently fundraise to cover these expenses. Ensuring we have emergency funds readily available is critical to providing immediate care when our animals need it most.
General Donations
If you do not have any specific project in mind and wish the organization to use their own discretion, please click here.
Donations can also be made by check or wire transfer:
Checks should be made out to “Empowers Africa” and should be mailed to:
Empowers Africa
2 Beekman Place, Ste. 18B
New York, NY 10022
www.empowersafrica.org
(917) 328-1611
Kindly note in the memo section of the check that funds are for Panthera Africa. Or email us at info@empowersafrica.org.
For wire transfer details or more information, please email us at info@empowersafrica.org.
Empowers Africa has been approved as a U.S. public charity, contributions to which are tax deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Section 501(c)(3) [EIN: 32-0403737] of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
Thank you for your support!