The Campaign for Big Cats


Building a Brighter Future

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Today, there is more work to be done to accommodate big cats in need of a species-appropriate environment and provide them with a lifetime of peace and care.

During the next three years, the Campaign for Big Cats will be the most critical philanthropic priority for FOUR PAWS USA.

FOUR PAWS’ sanctuaries and cooperation projects rely on the support of compassionate animal lovers like you. LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary plays a vital role in working towards an end to big cat exploitation and abuse – and we need your support to make an even greater impact.

To learn more about how you can support the Campaign for Big Cats, please contact Carly Rome, Senior Philanthropy Manager, at carly.rome@four-paws.org.  

It is our goal to provide forward-looking support for LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in the following ways:

Enclosure Expansion

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Enclosure Expansion


FOUR PAWS seeks to add new enclosures to accommodate more rescues and to improve habitat elements and enrichment based on the latest standards to improve the physical and mental health of our big cats.

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Veterinary Care

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Veterinary Care


In the wild, big cats live to roughly 14 years of age. In a sanctuary, however, big cats can live well beyond 20 years, requiring complex medical care that comes with the natural aging process. To care for a growing population of aging big cats rescued from abuse and neglect, the veterinary clinic requires new, specialized equipment and expansion.

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Animal Welfare Education

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Animal Welfare Education


As a global animal welfare organization, we are dedicated to providing local and global educational programs at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary to teach interconnectivity and compassion for animals.

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Read the Special “Big Cat Issue” of our Impact Magazine

About LIONSROCK BIG CAT SANCTUARY 

LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa, a former game reserve, was acquired and quickly transitioned to a sanctuary by FOUR PAWS in 2006. Since then, we have expanded the facility to accommodate over 120 big cats rescued from war-ravaged zoos, circuses, private ownership, and the canned hunting industry. The sanctuary is a species-appropriate, lifelong home for mistreated big cats who cannot be released back into the wild.

The expert care team at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary works each day to provide our rescued big cats with proper medical care, nutrition, and enrichment. Each enclosure spans several acres of open grassland, bushes, trees, and natural structures to provide rest and shelter from the elements. The enclosures are circular and follow the natural shape of the land, providing our big cats with a sense of freedom. Our special care unit helps traumatized big cats heal from their health conditions and overcome their traumas as best as possible.

FOUR PAWS' BREAK THE VICIOUS CYCLE Campaign

 Aiming to ban the commercial trade of ALL big cats in South Africa. 

What is "The Vicious Cycle"?

  • Over 300 big cat breeding farms currently operate across South Africa
  • 10,000-12,000 lions (and an unknown number of tigers) are kept in captivity these intensive breeding farms
  • Females are forced to produce 2-3 litters per year, more than they would in the wild 
  • Separated at birth, cubs are used for petting exhibits, photos, trophy hunting and other types of entertainment 
  • Lion cubs are sold for between $700-$1000. Tiger cubs are sold for between $1000-$1,700 
  • Once no longer able to perform or breed, big cats are sold to supply Asian markets  -dead or alive

Recent Updates

Tiger cub in a cage

WE NEED YOUR HELP

Add your voice to ban the captive breeding of lions in South Africa

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group of lions behind fencing

FOUR PAWS outlines recommendations to South Africa’s Draft White Paper

FOUR PAWS welcomes Minister Creecy’s and the Department for Forestry, Fisheries and Environment for taking the progressive steps held within the White Paper.

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Tiger behind a fence

FOUR PAWS at CITES CoP19

What is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and why is FOUR PAWS participating 

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Tiger

Year of the Tiger?

An investigative report into the big cat farming in South Africa and the need for international action

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Lion in field

FOUR PAWS encouraged by South AfricaN Authorities' announcement on captive lions

Announcement from the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), could mean good news for lions

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Lion looking out beyond cage

CAPTIVE BREEDING FACTS

We're fighting to end the captive breeding and keeping of lions and other big cats for commercial purposes

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The Vicious Cycle Lion

The Vicious Cycle

A review of the exploitation of South Africa's captive big cats & its people

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Lion in a cage

Incident Report 2010-2020

Tragic occurrences of injuries sustained through interactions with big cats in South Africa

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Carly Rome

Senior Philanthropy Manager

carly.rome@four-paws.org

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