Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary exists because its founders chose to question the wildlife tourism system – and then rebuild it the right way. Born from a confronting volunteer experience that exposed the reality behind animal interaction, the sanctuary was created to prove that big cat tourism can be ethical.

In this episode, I Am Tourism chatted with co-founder Cathrine Nyquist shortly before the devastating Overberg  wildfires tore through the sanctuary in January. She shares why education-led sanctuaries are critical to the credibility and future of responsible tourism.

Today, Panthera is rebuilding. This is not just a conservation story – it’s about protecting an essential asset for ethical tourism in South Africa and supporting a model the industry needs more than ever.

Listen to the episode if you’re in tourism and want to understand:

• Why some wildlife experiences undermine tourism’s credibility
• What really happens behind cub petting and so-called sanctuaries
• How ethical wildlife partnerships can strengthen your business

If you’re in a position to support, donations to help rebuild Panthera Africa can be made here.