Education for Sustainable Coexistence Begins with Animal Welfare
FOUR PAWS reminds us of the role education plays in building a compassionate future at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary
Bethlehem, 19 January 2026 – As the world commemorates the International Day of Education on 24 January under the global theme “Learning for Lasting Peace”, FOUR PAWS South Africa highlights the vital role of education in fostering compassion, respect, and sustainable coexistence among humans, animals, and the environment.
Education is not only a cornerstone for peace among people, it is also a powerful tool to break cycles of cruelty and neglect toward animals. Through initiatives like the LIONSROCK Education Programmes, FOUR PAWS is inspiring future generations to embrace humane ethics and understand the interconnectedness of all life.
This approach aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15: Life on Land, and supports the One Health concept, which recognises that human, animal and environmental health are deeply linked. Humane education is a critical step toward lasting peace, not just among people, but across species.
FOUR PAWS’ #BreakTheViciousCycle campaign further amplifies this message by addressing the root causes of big cat exploitation. From trophy hunting to the commercial trade in big cats, these practices perpetuate suffering and undermine conservation efforts.
Visitors to LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary can experience the transformative power of education and advocacy. From interactive exhibits at the Education Centre to symbolic initiatives like the beaded lion and life-sized lion cut-outs in the play park, every element is designed to spark curiosity and inspire change.
This International Day of Education, join a movement that champions compassion, sustainability, and lasting peace. Because when we learn to respect all living beings, we create a better world for everyone.
For more information, please visit our website at four-paws.org.za and 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