INTO AFRICAT – THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE FOUNDATION

THE AFRICAT CARNIVORE CARE CENTRE EXPERIENCE WILL BE REPLACED BY A NEW INTERACTIVE CONSERVATION EXPERIENCE.

ACTIVITIES RATES SHEET

NOTICE | AfriCat Experience Transition – Effective 1 June 2026

Please note that from 1 June 2026, the AfriCat Information Centre will undergo redevelopment and construction as part of an exciting new chapter for the AfriCat Foundation and the Okonjima Nature Reserve.

The AfriCat Carnivore Care Centre (ACCC) experience will officially close at the end of June 2026 and will be replaced with a new immersive conservation experience.

The AfriCat Foundation ended its Carnivore Rescue and Release Programme in 2010. Between 1989 and 2010, the cheetahs, lions, African wild dogs, caracals, hyenas, and leopards that came into AfriCat’s care served as important ambassadors for their species. Many were successfully released back into the wild or into the Okonjima Nature Reserve as part of AfriCat’s Rehabilitation Programme (2000–2018). The last remaining ambassador animals — four cheetahs, one leopard, and two lions, with ages ranging between approximately 9 and 18 years — will now retire permanently from tourism activities. This marks the conclusion of all opportunities to view rescued captive carnivores at Okonjima.

Since 2000, Okonjima and the AfriCat Foundation have worked hand in hand to establish and manage the Okonjima Nature Reserve, with the dual aims of conserving critical wildlife habitat and conducting applied research to strengthen long-term predator and ecosystem conservation.

In line with this evolution, the ACCC activity will be replaced by a new guided experience:

“Into AfriCat – Behind the Science”

  • (Duration: approximately 2.5–3 hours)
  • The “Into AfriCat – Behind the Science” experience will showcase the current research and conservation work of the AfriCat Foundation. The tour will include time within the newly redeveloped interactive AfriCat Information Centre, as well as time spent in the Okonjima Nature Reserve itself, giving guests a deeper understanding of AfriCat’s conservation objectives, research methods, technologies, and latest scientific findings.

Interactive displays and activities will include:

  • Understanding AfriCat’s methods for safely capturing wild leopards and brown hyenas for research and monitoring purposes.
  • Exploring the evolution of AfriCat’s monitoring collars and tags, including insights into the latest tracking technologies currently in use.
  • Practicing wildlife tracking using VHF telemetry and gaining insight into animal movements and behaviour through the EarthRanger platform, including territory ranges, interaction data, and movement patterns within the Okonjima Nature Reserve.
  • Observing and learning about the different camera trap systems used throughout the Reserve, including exclusive previews of recent wildlife captures.
  • Practicing wildlife species identification, with opportunities for guests to learn individual leopard identification techniques.
  • Exploring leopard family lineages and social structures within the Reserve.
  • Examining key research findings relating to the wildlife and ecological dynamics of the Okonjima Nature Reserve.
  • The “Into AfriCat – Behind the Science” experience will complement all existing Okonjima activities, offering guests a deeper understanding of the purpose, methods, and importance of conservation research within the Okonjima Nature Reserve.

more about AfriCat’s Carnivore Care Centre

‘Welfare’ in the context of animal-welfare, refers to the well-being and quality of life of animals. It encompasses the state of an animal’s physical health as well as its mental and emotional state. The widely accepted definition of ‘animal welfare’ is that it involves the “state of the animal’s body and mind, and the extent to which its nature is satisfied.”

This definition implies that ‘animal welfare’ includes not only the physical condition of an animal, but also its emotional state. Most people acknowledge that animals experience emotions such as fear, frustration, boredom, and aggression. ‘Welfare research’ typically measures behavioural outcomes and signs of emotions like fear or frustration in animals. This research has led to the understanding that animals have fundamental behavioural needs that must be met to ensure their well-being.

Therefore providing a ‘healthy living environment’ for large carnivores in temporary or permanent captivity is crucial to minimize illness and injuries. At AfriCat, the animals are housed in spacious enclosures ranging from 5 to 25 hectares in a natural and stress-free environment. They receive a well-balanced diet with vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent deficiencies. Daily observations monitor the animals’ well-being and condition, allowing for a prompt response and treatment if any illnesses or injuries occur. AfriCat conducts annual health checks on its carnivores, led by veterinarians. These health examinations include thorough evaluations of the last remaining captive carnivores. 

The cats are tranquilized and taken to a well-equipped clinic at AfriCat’s Care Centre for assessments and a comprehensive examination. They also receive annual vaccinations for external and internal parasites.

Read up on some of our Cheetah Research conducted over the years.