Keeping Cool Under the African Sun: How LIONSROCK Protects Its Big Cats in Summer
From frozen treats to shady retreats, the sanctuary ensures rescued lions, tigers and leopards thrive during South Africa’s hottest months
As the South African summer heats up, temperatures in the Free State can soar, making life challenging for wildlife. At LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, caring for rescued big cats goes beyond providing safety; it means creating an environment where they can live comfortably and healthily, even under the blazing African sun.
To achieve this, the sanctuary employs a combination of natural design and innovative care strategies. Shade structures and lush vegetation provide cool resting spots, while water sources, including pools for tigers and troughs for drinking, are meticulously maintained. For enrichment and relief, the team prepares frozen treats like blood ice and fruit-flavoured ice blocks, turning hydration into a stimulating experience.
All our big cats are provided with indoor enclosures, which are freely available to them and many love to spend time inside where it is cooler, during the heat of the day
“Ultimately, everything we do ties back to our core mission,” Hildegard adds. “We want these animals to live in a safe, species-appropriate environment where their needs are met, summer or winter.” By blending compassion with expertise, LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary proves that even under the African sun, rescued big cats can enjoy the life they were always meant to have.
For more information, please visit our website at www.lionsrock.org
/ENDS
Deidre Daniels
Public Relations Officer+27 (0)21 702 4277
+27 (0)78 675 8220
9B Bell Crescent, Westlake Business Park,
Green Building, Cape Town, 7945
A Public Relations professional with over eight years’ experience in fostering positive relationships between organisations and media.
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About LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary
LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, a FOUR PAWS sanctuary, is home to around 100 rescued big cats from around the world. Here, they live out their lives in a safe, species-appropriate environment. https://www.lionsrock.org/
About FOUR PAWS
FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organisation for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them. Founded in 1988 in Vienna by Heli Dungler and friends, the organisation advocates for a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy and understanding. The sustainable campaigns and projects of FOUR PAWS focus on companion animals including stray dogs and cats, farm animals and wild animals – such as bears, big cats and orangutans – kept in inappropriate conditions as well as in disaster and conflict zones. With offices in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, France, Germany, Kosovo, the Netherlands, Switzerland, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine, the UK, the USA and Vietnam as well as 13 wild animal sanctuaries and cooperation projects across the globe, FOUR PAWS provides rapid help and long-term solutions. www.four-paws.org.za