New Leopards introduced to Born Free Foundation at Shamwari

On Monday 7 January, His Serene Highness Prince Albert, will officially hand over 2 leopards to the Founder of the Born Free Foundation and actress and wildlife campaigner, Virginia McKenna OBE.  

The leopards will be sedated in preparation for transfer to their new African home; the Born Free Sanctuary at the award-winning Shamwari Game Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape.

The Born Free Foundation is at the forefront of drawing the public’s attention to the plight of wild animals confined in impoverished captive environments and promoting through education and public awareness.

It is the mission of both The Born Free Foundation and Shamwari Game Reserve to promote the conservation of species and the protection of habitat while maintaining a humane and compassionate approach to the welfare of animals.

In partnership with actress/conservationist Virginia McKenna’s Born Free Foundation, Shamwari Game Reserve designed the Born Free Foundation Animal Rescue and Education Centre to incorporate a museum and educational facility whose goal is to create an awareness of the horrific way in which wildlife is exploited in captivity around the world.

Over the years the Born Free Foundation has been able to rescue several big cats from situations where they are in serious danger and provide them with excellent life time care. Guests at Shamwari are able to see some of these rescued animals at the Born Free Foundation Animal Rescue and Education Centre.  

The leopards, Pitou and Sirius (brother and sister, both 16 years old), have been resident at a zoo for 5 years and originated from a French travelling circus.