Drakenstein was set up in 1998 to give lions in distress somewhere to live free of abuse and persecution, and it has taken in big cats from captivity ever since. What separates it from most places in the region that use the word sanctuary is that it publishes what it will not do. Their own words: no breeding, trade, or visitor-animal interaction takes place, and genuine lion sanctuaries do not offer petting opportunities. The animals are here for life and the park says so. A visitor walks the enclosures and watches, and nothing more is offered. Feeding happens on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the late afternoon.
Highlights
- Established in 1998 as a sanctuary for lions rescued from captivity
- No breeding, no trade and no visitor-animal interaction, stated by the park itself
- Lifetime care for every rescued big cat
- Lion feeding on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 16:00
- Open seven days a week including public holidays
Tips
Feeding is on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 16:00. There is no contact with the animals at any point.