This Valentine’s Day, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is calling on animal lovers to celebrate love in a way that truly matters: by symbolically adopting a rescued big cat. Through this programme, you’ll help provide lifelong care for lions and other majestic animals rescued from abuse and exploitation.
Symbolically Adopt a Big Cat with FOUR PAWS
Skip the usual chocolates and flowers, choose an ethical gift that gives rescued lions a second chance at life.
“Valentine’s Day is about love and what better way to express it than by helping animals who have endured so much?” says Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa. “Every symbolic adoption supports food, medical care and sanctuary for these incredible creatures. It’s a gift that lasts far beyond the day.”
Instead of fleeting gifts, FOUR PAWS offers ethical options that South Africans can feel proud of:
Symbolic Big Cat Adoption – Receive a personalised certificate and updates about your chosen big cat at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in the Free State.
Donation in someone’s name – Make a heartfelt contribution to rescue and care projects across South Africa.
FOUR PAWS merchandise – Eco-friendly items that support animal welfare initiatives.
Bethlehem, South Africa | 2025.09.08 | Tigers Shevar (R) and Sharukh (L) at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in Bethlehem, South Africa.
Why symbolic adoption matters:
Many big cats rescued by FOUR PAWS come from zoos, circuses or private ownership.
Your support funds their lifelong care at sanctuaries like LIONSROCK, where they can roam safely and live with dignity.
It’s a gift that reflects true South African values, compassion, ubuntu and sustainability.
Visit FOUR PAWS Big Cat Adoption Programme to choose your big cat or explore other ethical gift options that roar with love.
FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organisation for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them. Founded by Heli Dungler and friends in Vienna in 1988, the organisation focuses on companion animals including stray dogs and cats, farm animals and wild animals kept in inappropriate conditions as well as in disaster and conflict zones. With sustainable campaigns and projects, such as its own sanctuaries, FOUR PAWS provides rapid help and long-term protection for suffering animals.
