In collaboration with the Born Free Foundation, the Big Cat Rescue and Education Centres are situated within our game reserve. They aim to draw attention to the plight of wild cats, confined in impoverished, captive environments throughout the world.

A Worthy Cause

It’s the mission of The Born Free Foundation, founded by actress and conservationist Virginia McKenna and her late husband Bill Travers, to ‘Keep Wildlife in the Wild’. Both Shamwari and Born Free aim to promote conservation and protect these species and their habitat, whilst maintaining a compassionate approach to the welfare of animals. The rescue and education centres home rescued lions and leopards from across the world and aim to be an enlightening experience for all visitors. Take time to explore:

The Julie Ward Centre – situated in the south of Shamwari Game Reserve

The Jean Byrd Centre – situated in the north of Shamwari Game Reserve

The Education Program – an active program for schools and colleges with a particular aim to support local disadvantaged communities with the focus on conservation through education.

Global Partnership

The Born Free Foundation is a UK based wildlife charity organisation that rescues animals from captivity and gives them lifetime care in spacious sanctuaries. The charity protects threatened species including lions, elephants, tigers, gorillas, wolves, bears, marine turtles and much more in their natural habitat. Working with local communities Born Free finds humane solutions to help people and wildlife live together without conflict.

Since its inception in 1984, it has grown and been backed by celebrities, conservationists and passionate institutions worldwide, like Shamwari Game Reserve.

For more information, visit the official Born Free website or connect with them via Facebook.

By supporting the big cat sanctuaries, you’re not only learning about the plight of wild animals, but you’re also taking a stand against animal cruelty.