What The Lions Foundation does

The Lions Foundation is a non-profit big cat rescue and conservation sanctuary operating within the 1,200-hectare Schrikkloof Private Nature Reserve in Bela-Bela, South Africa, with administrative affiliation to Stichting Leeuw in the Netherlands. It provides permanent sanctuary, rehabilitation, and lifetime care for lions, tigers, and leopards rescued from circuses, war zones, private possession, and inadequate captive facilities, housing them in 1.5-hectare savannah enclosures under 24/7 monitoring. In May 2023, the organization expanded via acquisition of an adjacent predator park, converting it into The Lions Foundation Rescue and Conservation Centre focused on native African predators (hyenas, African wild dogs, servals, caracals).

Name

The Lions Foundation

Legal name

Stichting Leeuw

Website

https://thelionsfoundation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Lions Foundation is a non-profit big cat rescue sanctuary in Bela-Bela, South Africa, operating within Schrikkloof Private Nature Reserve to rehabilitate and provide lifetime care for lions, tigers, and leopards rescued from circuses, war zones, and private possession, supported by international volunteers, donors, and corporate sponsors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wildlife Rescue and Sanctuary Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Animal Shelters & Adoption Services (BPAGAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Rescue, Transport & Emergency Animal Response (BPAGAIAB), Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation & Release (BPAGAIAC), Sanctuaries & Long-Term Care (Farm, Equine, Exotic) (BPAGAIAH), Animal Shelters & Rescue Operations (AFAEALAB)

Keywords

• Wildlife rescue services
• Big cat sanctuary
• Animal rehabilitation
• Volunteer placement programs
• Conservation fundraising

Headquarters

HQ city

Bela Vista

HQ country

Brazil

HQ region

Latin America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Volunteer Program Fees: International volunteers pay weekly fees for accommodation, meals, and the opportunity to assist with animal care. Fees range from €575 for 1 week to €3250 for 6 weeks, with additional airport transfer fees of €150 per person. This is the primary operational revenue stream.
2. Monthly Donations (Contributors): Monthly donor program where supporters contribute recurring amounts starting from €5 per month. Donations support animal care, food, and facility operations.
3. Animal Adoption Program: Symbolic animal adoption program with monthly contributions of at least €10 or annual options. Adopters receive an adoption certificate and passport of the chosen big cat.
4. One-time Donations: Single donation options at €15, €40, or €75, with custom amounts available. Donors receive acknowledgment via email.
5. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors provide financial and other support. Named sponsors include Animal Survival International, KickandRush, and LeoVegas Mobile Gaming Group.
6. Legacy Giving: Individuals can donate through their estate via will to support long-term organizational sustainability. Tax advantages available for Dutch residents under ANBI status.
7. Visitor Accommodation: Eco-tourism revenue from visitors staying at Schrikkloof Private Nature Reserve. Ten thatched suites with en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers, and private decks overlooking nature. Combined with sanctuary visits during feeding times.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Lions Foundation provides permanent rescue, rehabilitation, and lifetime sanctuary care for big cats (lions, tigers, leopards) and other native predators in 1.5-hectare natural savannah enclosures within the 1200-hectare Schrikkloof Private Nature Reserve in Bela-Bela, South Africa. It supplements this core with paid international volunteer placements, eco-tourism accommodation, symbolic animal adoptions, recurring and one-off donation programs, corporate sponsorships, and legacy giving, accredited by the NSPCA.

Product overview

The Lions Foundation operates as a wildlife rescue and sanctuary organization, not a technology company. Its core offerings consist of animal rescue and rehabilitation services for big cats (lions, tigers, leopards) and native African predators, supplemented by visitor accommodations at Schrikkloof Private Nature Reserve, international volunteer programs, and various donation/adoption mechanisms for supporters. The main products include the Big Cat Rescue and Sanctuary Services, the Rescue and Conservation Centre (established 2023), Volunteer Program, Visitor Accommodation, and multiple donation programs (Animal Adoption, Monthly Contributions, One-off Donations, Legacy Program, and Tax-Free Donations for Dutch residents). The organization is NSPCA-accredited and operates 24/7 monitoring of animals in 1.5-hectare natural enclosures across a 1200-hectare private nature reserve in Bela-Bela, South Africa.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Big Cat Rescue and Sanctuary Services Lifetime rescue, rehabilitation, and care for big cats (lions, tigers, leopards) rescued from circuses, private possession, war situations, and inadequate zoo conditions, with 24/7 monitoring in 1.5-hectare natural enclosures at Schrikkloof Private Nature Reserve, South Africa.
• Rescue and Conservation Centre Dedicated conservation facility adjacent to the main sanctuary, housing rescued native predators including hyenas, African wild dogs, leopards, jackals, servals, caracals, and other South African species in species-specific habitats supporting conservation of endangered species.
• International Volunteer Program Paid placements of 1–6 weeks for international adult volunteers who assist with food preparation, feeding, enclosure cleaning, behavioral enrichment, reserve maintenance, and wildlife monitoring; includes accommodation (full board: breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea, coffee, water), priced €575–€3250 plus €150 airport transfers.
• Visitor Accommodation at Schrikkloof Private Nature Reserve African-style resort accommodation comprising ten thatched suites with en-suite bathrooms (six with outdoor showers), full bar, lounge, dining area, viewing deck, boma with fire, swimming pool, and activities including game drives, bird watching, and wellness spa within the 1200-hectare reserve.
• Animal Adoption Program Symbolic adoption subscription program starting at €10 per month (or €150/year) allowing donors to support a specific big cat; adopters receive an adoption certificate and the animal's passport with a minimum 1-year auto-renewal commitment benefiting all animals at The Lions Foundation and Stichting Leeuw.
• Monthly Contributor Program Recurring monthly donation program starting from €5 per month, auto-debited monthly until cancellation, providing ongoing support for animal care, feeding, and sanctuary operations with periodic donor updates.
• One-off Donation Single-donation product offering preset amounts (€15 for a piece of meat for a tiger/lion, €40 for one day of care and meat, €75 toward a transport crate) plus custom-amount support for animal care and operations.
• Legacy / Bequest Program Estate-giving service enabling supporters to donate through their will or estate to support long-term organizational sustainability, with tax advantages available for Dutch residents under Stichting Leeuw's ANBI status.
• Tax-Free Donation (ANBI) Recurring donation product for Netherlands residents utilizing Stichting Leeuw's ANBI (Algemeen Nut Beogende Instelling) status to maximize tax benefits on charitable contributions supporting big cat welfare.
• Behavioral Enrichment Services Operational service providing behavioral enrichment activities and physical structures (platforms, toys, sensory stimulation) to ensure the psychological well-being of rescued animals in sanctuary care.

Quantifiable outcome

• Successfully relocated dozens of big cats from Stichting Leeuw Netherlands to permanent sanctuary in South Africa
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Humane World for Animals South AfricacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 January 2026Arranged the transport of Jade and Zakara lionesses from Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary to The Lions Foundation following a devastating wildfire. Their assistance was crucial in the safe 18-hour road transport of the traumatized lionesses.
• Panthera Africa Big Cat SanctuaryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 January 2026South African sanctuary that experienced a devastating wildfire in January 2026. The Lions Foundation provided emergency support by accepting two lionesses (Jade and Zakara) after an 18-hour journey by road. The sanctuaries maintain solidarity and coordinated response across the big cat rescue community.
• Stichting LeeuwcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 November 2024Founding partner organization based in the Netherlands. Stichting Leeuw rescues big cats from circuses, private possession, and war zones in Europe. They rehabilitate animals and coordinate transfers to The Lions Foundation for permanent sanctuary. Animals in good physical and mental condition are relocated from Stichting Leeuw to The Lions Foundation. The two organizations share the mission of providing forever homes for rescued big cats.
• Ann van Dyk Cheetah CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on the rehabilitation of Kahn the leopard. Kahn spent his first few months of rehabilitation at the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre before being transferred to The Lions Foundation for continued care until his successful wild release.
• Bite BackminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnimal welfare organization that raised necessary funds for Mannie's relocation from Mondo Verde theme park in the Netherlands to The Lions Foundation. Worked with World Animal Protection on the fundraising campaign.
• World Animal ProtectionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with Bite Back to raise funds for Mannie's relocation through a fundraising campaign. Supported the transition of the lion from the Netherlands to South Africa.
• Conservation Authorities of North West (Dedect)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment conservation authority that placed Kahn the leopard in The Lions Foundation's care. Assisted with rehabilitation, satellite collaring, and successful wild release of the young male leopard from farmland in North West Province.
• Conservation Authorities of Limpopo (Ledet)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment conservation authority that partnered with The Lions Foundation for the rehabilitation, satellite collaring, and successful wild release of Kahn the leopard.
• Dr. Peter CaldwellminorOthersVeterinarian who assisted with Kahn's care and successful release, providing medical expertise during the rehabilitation process.
• Dr. Paul BartelsminorOthersVeterinarian who contributed to Kahn's successful care and release, providing veterinary support during the rehabilitation and collaring process.
• Schrikkloof Private Nature ReservecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Lions Foundation is located within Schrikkloof Private Nature Reserve, a 1200-hectare reserve in the Waterberg Biosphere. The partnership provides eco-tourism accommodation opportunities and integration with native wildlife monitoring and conservation.
• NSPCA (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)coreOthersNSPCA-accredited sanctuary. The Lions Foundation is recognized by the NSPCA as meeting high animal welfare standards. Listed in NSPCA's Accredited Facilities documentation.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Born Free Foundation: International wildlife charity operating big cat sanctuaries (e.g., Ensessakotteh in Ethiopia) and conservation programs globally. Broader scope and significantly larger donor base, but directly comparable on big cat rescue, sanctuary operations, and conservation advocacy.
• Four Paws (Vier Pfoten): Global animal welfare organization headquartered in Vienna with active big cat rescue operations across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Larger and broader in scope than The Lions Foundation but overlaps on big cat sanctuary and circus-animal rescue activities, including partnerships with Stichting Leeuw.

Direct peers

• Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre: South African predator conservation centre that collaborated on rehabilitation of Kahn the leopard before transfer to The Lions Foundation. Operates a captive breeding and conservation model for cheetahs and other endangered predators with similar visitor and volunteer programs.
• Wildcat Sanctuary (Minnesota): US-based accredited sanctuary providing lifetime care for rescued wild cats including tigers, lions, leopards, and cougars. Operates a similar hands-off, no-breeding model with volunteer and adoption programs as core revenue.
• Lions Tigers & Bears (Alpine, California): California big cat sanctuary and rescue facility housing lions, tigers, bears, and other rescued predators. Comparable in mission (permanent sanctuary from abuse/neglect), visitor programming, and volunteer engagement.
• Big Cat Rescue (Tampa, Florida): One of the largest accredited big cat sanctuaries in the world, operating a no-breeding, no-contact rescue model for lions, tigers, leopards, and other exotic cats. Directly comparable in mission (permanent sanctuary for rescued cats), volunteer program, and donation/adoption revenue model.
• Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary: South African big cat sanctuary that received emergency support from The Lions Foundation during the January 2026 Western Cape wildfire. Operates a similar non-breeding, hands-off sanctuary model for rescued lions, tigers, and other predators.
• Stichting Leeuw: Founding partner and operating affiliate of The Lions Foundation, also operating as an ANBI-registered Dutch non-profit that rescues and rehabilitates big cats from European circuses and private possession. Operates an identical sanctuary/adoption/donation model and shares donors, volunteers, and animal pipeline.

Regional players

• Cheetah Conservation Fund (Namibia): Southern African predator conservation organization operating research, conservation, and education programs for cheetahs. Comparable on predator conservation mission but primarily cheetah-focused and headquartered in Namibia rather than South Africa.

Others

• Bite Back: Dutch animal welfare organization that partnered with World Animal Protection to fundraise for Mannie's relocation from Mondo Verde to The Lions Foundation. Operating in adjacent captive-animal advocacy and fundraising space rather than direct sanctuary operations.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-lions-foundation

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Lions Foundation