Felidae Centre

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Felidae Centre

Felidae Centre started in 2010 when we saved our first two animals, the cheetah, Thato and the caracal, Lilo. All lions are saved from canned hunting.
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The centre has only blossomed since and we have saved and released big and small species. We now provide a safe home for more than 60 animals. We are a rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary who takes pride in saving all animals that are indigenous to South Africa but our main focus are predators. We provide these species with a safe home and when needed a forever home. At Felidae Centre we do normal

and adventure tours to educate the public about our animals and show what we do to save and conserve them. Here you will get amazing photo opportunities of our different species. Further we explain about canned hunting and why we are completely against it. NORMAL TOUR
Our educational tours are run by well-trained guides filled with information and eager to share it to the public and guests. A tour usually takes about an hour, depending on the size of the group. Here you will meet all our animals and receive the information of why they are at the project, what their future plans are and more information about the different species. WEEKENDS
Adults: R150
Children (under 12): R100
Saturday 11:00am: Watch the lion feeding and a guided tour around the project

WEEKDAYS
R250 per person for a guided tour around the project Bookings are essential as well as a minimum of 3 people participating in the tour. ADVENTURE TOUR
Our adventure tour includes a normal tour and an open vehicle drive inside our 180 ha enclosure with free roaming lions. A perfect opportunity to see these majestic animals as close as half a meter away in their natural habitat and get the chance to take amazing photos. R500 per person for an individual of 16 years or older Bookings are essential as well as a minimum of 2 people participating in the drive. You can book a game drive for yourself only – Full price will be charged. OUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Be part of helping all our stunning creatures where you work up and close with our animals and get a chance to learn the characteristic behavior of each different specie. We are a family project and take the needs of our animals very seriously. To provide the best possible life in captivity for our animals, we need your help to assist us! Daily tasks include providing a clean and stress-free environment as well as safe and healthy food to eat for our animals.

06/09/2026

👑 When the King comes walking towards you… you simply stop and admire.

This afternoon, during our open vehicle drive with our volunteers, we had the privilege of spending time with our magnificent pride of 7 lions. And then there was Valentino… our proud and dominant male. 🦁❤️

Watching his powerful presence as he confidently walked towards our vehicle was one of those moments that takes your breath away. Every step, every glance, every roar of confidence reminds us just how incredible these animals truly are.

There is something incredibly special about sharing these close encounters with our volunteers, experiencing the beauty, power and personalities of each individual lion while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

🦁 Meet Valentino. The King. The protector. The dominant male of our pride.

Want to experience moments like this for yourself? Join our volunteer programme and become part of the Felidae family! ❤️🐾

05/09/2026

🦁 Adventure begins where the road ends…

Imagine climbing into our open safari vehicle and heading straight into the lion enclosure… 👀🦁

The excitement builds as we slowly make our way through the enclosure, searching for the lions and never quite knowing where we will find them. Then suddenly… there they are! ❤️

But this is more than just seeing lions. It is about spending quality time in their presence, watching their personalities, interactions and playful moments while appreciating these incredible animals up close.

Our Adventure Tours offer a truly unforgettable experience, and our volunteers get to be part of so much more, creating memories, building friendships and experiencing the daily life of a wildlife sanctuary.

🌿 Open vehicle adventures
🦁 Incredible lion encounters
❤️ Meaningful volunteer experiences
🔥 New friendships and unforgettable memories
🇿🇦 A real African wildlife adventure

Are you ready to experience Felidae from a different perspective?

Come for the adventure… leave with memories that will stay with you forever. 🐾

04/09/2026

🌧️ IMPORTANT NOTICE 🌧️

Due to the cold and rainy weather expected tomorrow, Felidae Centre will be closed and there will unfortunately be no feeding or educational tours.

The safety and wellbeing of our animals, visitors and staff always come first. 🐾❤️

We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. We look forward to welcoming you back soon! 🦁🐆

03/09/2026

🐆 A day in the life of a Felidae Centre volunteer… 🦁❤️ The day starts with purpose, teamwork and a shared passion for animals. Today, our volunteers spent their time working together around one of our leopard enclosures, getting their hands dirty, working hard and making a real difference.

Volunteering isn’t just about watching animals from a distance. It’s about becoming part of something bigger. It’s about early mornings, teamwork, laughter, learning new skills and experiencing the incredible personalities of the animals that call Felidae Centre home.

And after a day of hard work… what better way to end it than around a traditional South African braai? 🔥🇿🇦

As the fire crackles and the sun slowly disappears, strangers who arrived from different parts of the world become friends. Stories are shared, laughter fills the air and memories are made that will last a lifetime.

❤️ Come for the animals…
🌍 Experience South Africa…
🤝 Leave with friends from around the world.

At Felidae Centre, volunteering is more than just a project, it’s an adventure, a family and an experience you’ll never forget.

✨ Your journey. Your memories. Your Felidae family.

Interested in joining our volunteer programme? Send us a message and become part of something wild! 🐾

02/09/2026

BROTHERS FOREVER 🦁❤️

At 18 years old, you would think Rubicon and Brutus might prefer spending their days peacefully sleeping in the sun… but these two brothers still know exactly how to have fun! 🦁🦁

Rescued from the cruel reality of canned hunting, Rubicon and Brutus were given a second chance at life. Today, they get to grow old together, surrounded by space, safety and the freedom to simply be lions.

Watching these two elderly brothers play, hug, tumble over one another and fall into a heap of mane and paws is a beautiful reminder that animals never lose their personalities, friendships or need for companionship. ❤️

Their bond has survived everything life has thrown at them. From an uncertain past to a peaceful future, these brothers remain side by side — playing, cuddling and occasionally reminding each other who is stronger! 😄

For us, moments like these are priceless. Rescue is about so much more than simply saving an animal. It is about giving them the opportunity to live, feel safe, form bonds and enjoy the life they always deserved.

Rubicon & Brutus — 18 years young, brothers by birth, best friends for life. 🦁❤️

01/09/2026

Walking straight towards us is Brutus… our incredible 18-year-old male lion. 🦁❤️

There is something truly humbling about standing quietly and watching Brutus approach. His slow, confident walk carries not only the strength of a lion, but also the story of a life that has seen both the darkest and most beautiful sides of humanity and nature.

Brutus was rescued from the cruel canned hunting industry, where lions are bred and kept for exploitation rather than respected as the magnificent animals they are. His journey did not end there. Later in life, Brutus faced another difficult chapter when he was pushed out by his own son.

Today, however, Brutus has something incredibly special, he shares his life with his brother. ❤️

At 18 years old, Brutus is a senior lion. In the wild, reaching this age would be exceptional, and with age comes changes. His movements may be slower, his face tells the story of many years, and he deserves the peace and care that every elderly animal should receive.

Brutus reminds us why rescue and lifelong sanctuary care are so important. Rescuing an animal is not simply about giving them a second chance, it is about committing to their wellbeing for the rest of their lives.

Every step Brutus takes towards us is a reminder of his resilience. From a past he never deserved, to a safe place where he can grow old alongside his brother.

This is Brutus. A survivor. A brother. A senior king. And a living reminder that every animal deserves a life worth living. 🦁👑❤️

31/08/2026

🐆 A little higher, a little closer to the action!

Young Dash, one of our beautiful cheetahs here at Felidae Centre, carefully makes her way onto a fallen log to get the perfect lookout point. 👀

Cheetahs may be known for their incredible speed, but they are also curious and observant animals. A higher position gives Dash the opportunity to watch everything happening around her, while the rough bark of the log provides the perfect place for a little claw maintenance! 🐾

Sharpening and maintaining their claws is an important natural behaviour. Unlike many other cats, cheetahs have semi-retractable claws, which help them gain extra grip and traction when running at incredible speeds.

It is moments like these that remind us how important enrichment and natural environments are for the animals in our care. Every log, tree, platform and rock can become an opportunity to explore, climb, observe and simply express natural behaviours. ❤️

At Felidae, our volunteers and visitors don’t just see the animals, they get to experience these special everyday moments and learn about the incredible personalities behind every set of spots and whiskers.

Dash definitely knows that sometimes the best view comes from climbing just a little bit higher! 🐆🌿

30/08/2026

👑 THE KING OF OUR WILD PRIDE, VALENTINO 🦁

There is something truly special about watching Valentino. The dominant male of our pride, relaxing peacefully in the African sun, looking as majestic as only a lion can. 👑

Valentino is part of what we lovingly call our wild pride at Felidae. Although they live within the safety and protection of our project, their natural instincts, behaviours and social structure remain incredibly important to us.

And then comes that roar… 🦁📣

A deep, powerful sound echoing across the land as Valentino answers the calls of other lions on the project. Lion roaring is far more than just a beautiful sound. It is an important form of communication used to announce presence, maintain contact with pride members and communicate with neighbouring lions.

For a dominant male like Valentino, that roar carries a message: “I am here.”

Every lion has their own personality, presence and story, and Valentino certainly knows how to make his presence known. From quietly relaxing and watching over his surroundings to responding with that unmistakable roar, he reminds us why lions have earned their title as the kings of Africa. ❤️

At Felidae, moments like these are more than just beautiful to watch. They give us the opportunity to observe and appreciate the natural behaviours of these incredible animals while giving them the space, care and environment they deserve.

Majestic. Powerful. Valentino. 👑🦁

29/08/2026

🐒💕 Bobby’s little yoghurt adventure!

Our old boy Bobby has had quite a journey in his life. Before coming to Felidae Centre, he was tragically attacked by a dog, leaving him without some of his toes and his tail. Despite everything he has been through, Bobby has shown incredible resilience and today enjoys a much more peaceful and relaxed life with us. ❤️

Sometimes it’s the little things that bring the biggest enjoyment! 😄🥣

Watch Bobby receive his yoghurt treat and immediately put his problem-solving skills to work. First attempt? Give it a good hit against the tree! 🌳😂 When that didn’t quite do the trick, he kept investigating until he finally managed to open it and enjoy every last bit.

Capuchin monkeys are incredibly intelligent, curious and resourceful animals. Enrichment doesn’t always have to be complicated, allowing them opportunities to explore, investigate and figure things out for themselves helps keep their clever minds active and stimulated.

For Bobby, life now is about enjoying the simple things… a peaceful home, plenty of care, and of course, the occasional yoghurt challenge! 🐒🥰

Address

On The N8 Bloemfontein Road (Petrusburg Route), About 25km Outside Of Kimberley
Kimberley

Opening Hours

10:30 - 11:00

Telephone

+27829000567

Website

http://www.felidaecentre.co.za/

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