Big Cat Sanctuary | Hermanus | Things to do | Western Cape

Established in 2004

Big Cat Sanctuary - Lions, Tigers, Leopards, Caracal... - Hermanus, South Africa

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Big Cat Sanctuary, near Hermanus

Big Cat Sanctuary – near Hermanus

The Hermanus / Overberg region, is a heavenly place, so it is with much fanfare and celebration that a brand new wildlife sanctuary project has just opened, which has been started by two Big Cat lover enthusiasts, South African born Lizaene and Norwegian born Cathrine.

These young dynamic women dreamt of creating a safe haven for rescued captive bred big cats – as well as, educating the public on the current global exploitation of Big Cats and their conservation

A Global Welfare Rescue Organisation rescues the big cats from zoos, circuses, private collections, or locations where these cats were not well looked after and/or treated cruelly.

Due to the past exploitations of these rescued cats, the policy and focus will be - NO petting or stroking / NO captive breeding and/or trading of the animals

Initially there are 15 animals - all the males are neutered and the females are on contraceptives – once the females have settled in and have adapted to their new home and environment then sterilisation will take place

The entire Sanctuary has a total of 30ha, of which 5ha currently houses the various cat enclosures/camps for public viewing, there is also a Cat Rescue Centre division – used to house the new comers to the sanctuary until they are acclimatised to their new surroundings and settled in - the latter will not be open to the public.

All the enclosures are at least two and a half times larger than recommended by Cape Nature.

Currently there are 2 visits available to the public – pre-booking is essential as a maximum of 20 visiting persons will be allowed at one time.

1. EDUCATIONAL VISITS - (R340 per adult, R240 per Pensioner, R170 per child under the age of 13) - open for educational visits where people can observe, photograph and learn about their predators. In addition, they will be educated on the life threatening conditions most predators face every day, and how each individual human can help to make a difference.
Tour Times:
April to Sept - 10:00am and 15:00pm
Oct to March - 09.00am and 16.00pm
Closed Tuesdays
Booking in advance is essential

2. ENRICHMENT VISIT - (R750 per adult - must book in advance) Guests have the opportunity to come and, with materials provided, make their own enrichment toys for a particular species. Upon completion, the guests will then be able to see the toy or activity implemented and witness how the stimulus works together with the animals wild instincts and enriches their day.

MUST be booked - 1 week in advance - Minimum of 5 persons - NO Kids

There is a much more detailed product that allows for longer encounters and interaction –

3. VOLUNTEER PROJECT - The international volunteer project will offer the unique opportunity to be involved behind the scenes: daily tasks will include • Caring for the predators • Enrichment program • Preparation of food and feeding • Cleaning and maintaining enclosures • General farm work • Educating visitors

Other new ideas are also in the pipeline, such as - Corporate Team building events – more info on those in the future

As with any establishment of this nature, donations with regards to – voluntary skills, building materials, food and funds are always welcome and greatly appreciated.

The grand opening took place over Easter Weekend - 3rd to 6th April, 2015

Percy Tours can conducted tours to this amazing sanctuary

For a comprehensive list, please click to our over 500 leisure Activities page

Percy Tours will design individualised and personalised Tours and Activities schedules for you, to meet each persons / group's specific requirements and holiday desires.

Beware Dangerous Animals, near Hermanus

Big Cat Sanctuary, near Hermanus

Large enclosures at Big Cat Sanctuary

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