Volunteer with rescued big cats at a sanctuary in South Africa! These big cats have been rescued from breeding centers that stole them away from their mothers when they were cubs. Due to their captive upbringing, these cats cannot be returned to the wild. Help these cats live a more natural, enjoyable life at the sanctuary.
Volunteers will prepare food for the big cats, make enrichment toys and educate visitors on the current threats to these creatures. Volunteers should be passionate about animal conservation and animal rights and be prepared to make a positive impact in the lives of these rescued animals.
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Updated Jun 16, 2026
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Seeing the care for the cats and being given the opportunity to get really stuck in It has been great to be part of the Panthera team and work with the volunteers and feel like a team that is working to make a difference It is great to be given animal time , within a safe distance but being able to form a bond with them
My most memorable experience during the Big Cat Refuge program at Panthera Africa was being able to watch the big feed. The big feed allows to watch animal in their natural behaviour and requires a lot of trust in the volunteers.
Response from provider
Hi Caterina Thank you for sharing your experience! Watching the big feed at the Big Cat Refuge in South Africa sounds incredible—getting to see the big cats display their natural behavior must have been unforgettable. We're so glad you felt the trust and responsibility given to the volunteers, it really makes the experience even more special. Thanks for being a part of the program and for your dedication to these amazing animals! - GoEco Team
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