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
Accommodation Near LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary - nr Bethlehem, Free State
Paddocks Six
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Clarens
27.1 km from LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary - nr Bethlehem, Free StatePaddocks Six is a brand new self catering home (sleeps 6) in a new development. It is situated in the Swartland in Clarens and is a short 10 minute walk to the Clarens town square. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Rochester
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Clarens
27.3 km from LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary - nr Bethlehem, Free StateRochester is a newly built property situated in the stunning, Clarens Golf and Trout Estate, completed 2nd June 2016. The self-catering unit accommodates up to six guests with unobstructed views overlooking the golf course, fishing lake and Clarens. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Clarens Country House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Clarens
27.5 km from LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary - nr Bethlehem, Free StateThe Clarens Country House is nestled in a wooded corner of the secure Clarens Golf and Trout Estate, with wrap-around mountain views. The century-old stone house offers 4 luxury self-catering suites opening onto an enormous fully-glassed veranda... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Riverwalk Bed & Breakfast
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Clarens
27.7 km from LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary - nr Bethlehem, Free StateAll rooms open onto a veranda from a private entrance, with luxurious bathrooms. We proud ourselves with the quality of our furnishings and linen and offer a deluxe hospitality tray in each room, which include sherry, homemade rusks and biscuits... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Aspen Guest House and Self Catering Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Clarens
27.9 km from LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary - nr Bethlehem, Free StateAspen Guest House is located in the idyllic town of Clarens, often referred to as the "Jewel of the Free State". We offer both bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation in Clarens.services we offer and your hostess. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Red Mountain House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Clarens
28.1 km from LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary - nr Bethlehem, Free StateRed Mountain House is situated in the heart of the beautiful village of Clarens. Our accommodation consists of 6 luxury double rooms furnished with turn of the century antiques and one standard room. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
278 on Main
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Clarens
28.2 km from LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary - nr Bethlehem, Free StateWelcome to 278 On Main. Luxury bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation right in the center of the picturesque village of Clarens in the Eastern Free State. Close enough to all Restaurants, Galleries and Shops to be able to park your car and... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Ongeag Guesthouse
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Clarens
28.5 km from LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary - nr Bethlehem, Free StateOngeag is a spacious, fully-equipped, self catering double story sandstone house, surrounded by the mountains of Clarens. Wide balconies integrate the warmth of the house with splendid views of the surrounding scenery. The house is designed to... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Golden Cove
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Clarens
28.5 km from LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary - nr Bethlehem, Free StateGolden Cove is a lovely comfortable and cosy self catering house in the quaint Clarens village. (Sleeps up to 6 people). There are 2 bedrooms, 1 with a queen bed and 2nd bedroom has 2 single beds and sleeper couch. Main bedroom has an en-suite bathroom... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Clarens Cottage 2
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Clarens
28.5 km from LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary - nr Bethlehem, Free StateThis charming cottage is situated in the town of Clarens, known as "The Jewel of the Free State". It is within walking distance from the village square with its various shops and art galleries. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
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