LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary - nr Bethlehem, Free State
The sanctuary has become a home to rescued lions, tigers and leopards from various countries and backgrounds. © Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary
The sanctuary has become a home to rescued lions, tigers and leopards from various countries and backgrounds. © Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary
The sanctuary has become a home to rescued lions, tigers and leopards from various countries and backgrounds. © Lionsrock Big Cat SanctuaryLIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary - nr Bethlehem, Free State
LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary lies about 18–20 km outside Bethlehem in the Free State, surrounded by the open grasslands and sandstone landscapes characteristic of the eastern Free State. It is not a conventional zoo or wildlife park, but a permanent refuge for rescued big cats, operated as a sanctuary by FOUR PAWS, the international animal-welfare organisation. Its central purpose is to give animals that have suffered through neglect, exploitation or unsuitable captivity a safe, species-appropriate home for the rest of their lives.
The story of LIONSROCK began in 2006, when FOUR PAWS acquired the property. During 2006 and 2007, considerable research went into determining how a sanctuary could be designed around the physical and behavioural needs of big cats. Existing facilities were transformed and new enclosures, shelters, water sources, vegetation, security and other infrastructure were developed. The aim was very different from creating an attraction where animals perform or interact with visitors: LIONSROCK was designed as a place where rescued animals could live out their lives with dignity.
The sanctuary has become a home to rescued lions, tigers and leopards from various countries and backgrounds. Some have come from circuses, private ownership and captive-breeding facilities, while others were rescued from zoos or wildlife parks where conditions had deteriorated. The sanctuary also provides specialised care for individual animals that have experienced trauma or require additional veterinary attention.
For visitors, one of the most rewarding aspects is hearing the individual stories behind the animals. Guided tours provide opportunities to see lions, tigers and leopards in spacious enclosures while learning about their backgrounds, behaviour, care and the wider issues surrounding big cats in captivity. Visitors can choose from several experiences, including sanctuary driving tours, walking tours, feeding and enrichment tours, and specialised tiger tours.
The feeding and enrichment experiences are particularly informative because animal-care specialists explain what is happening rather than simply presenting a spectacle. Visitors can see the animals behaving naturally, resting, playing, feeding or interacting with their surroundings, depending on the time of day.
Importantly, LIONSROCK does not promote petting, cuddling or direct interaction with the animals. Visitors are accompanied on guided experiences and cannot simply walk or drive around the sanctuary independently. This is fundamental to its philosophy: the animals' welfare comes before entertainment.
The sanctuary also has an important educational role, using visits and programmes to encourage a better understanding of animal welfare, conservation and responsible tourism. In recent years, its visitor facilities and tourism programme have been developed with a stronger emphasis on ethical tourism and animal-welfare education.
Day visitors are welcome by reservation, with guided tours available during the week.
Address: Farm Kleinbloemhof, Bethlehem, Free State
Telephone: +27 (0)58 304 1691 or +27 (0)83 408 0473
Email: see website
Website: https://www.lionsrock.org
GPS Co-Ords: -28.239552635503358, 28.473937040559747
Verblyf Naby LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary - nr Bethlehem, Free State
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