Mowgli's New Home at the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary!

Mowgli's New Home at the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary!

Posted by Georgia Wilson on 3rd Feb 2021

Mowgli was rescued in March 2020 by the Born Free Foundation from a failed zoo in South Africa. He now resides in their big cat sanctuary based in the Shamwari Conservation Experience grounds, and recently, he was moved into a huge new enclosure! Whilst Mowgli gets used to his new home the team are respecting his boundaries and giving him space, though they have set up cameras to ensure he is settling in. Take a look at the footage below showing that he is very lively when no one is watching:

Mowgli is a melanistic leopard, otherwise known as a black panther. They are uncommon globally but extremely rare in Africa. At the point of rescue, he was approximately 18 months old, and sadly he and the other animals had been left to starve. After a group effort from the Born Free Foundation, Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary and Bloemfontein SPCA, all of the animals at the failing zoo were rehomed.

Unfortunately, Mowgli is unable to be released into the wild as he is unable to fend for himself, but he has found a forever home where he is able to lead the most natural life possible. As you can see from the footage his enclosure has grass slopes, indigenous trees and shrubs which provide plenty of shade, and dense undergrowth, just as he would in the wild. Leopards, as well as other big cats, like to have a good view of their surroundings and Mowgli has plenty of trees and wooden platforms which you can see him using in the video. Welcome home Mowgli!


Share this Article...

Share this article with your friends and followers by using the social media buttons below.


Leave a Comment...

Wanting to add something to this story or just let us know your thoughts? Just leave your comments below. Please be aware that all comments will be moderated: abusive behaviour or self-promotion will not be allowed.

500 characters remaining

Has this blog inspired you to volunteer? If so, why not enquire today? Simply fill out an enquiry form, and allow a member of our travel team to assist with your query! Please note that blog comments are not monitored by the travel team, so any questions related to bookings may be missed.


Featured Videos


Experience The Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary

See what you could get up to as a volunteer at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary! This volunteer project offers you the chance to get up close and personal with some of the country's most iconic species.

Discover The Great White Shark Project

Come face to face with one of the world’s most misunderstood predators whilst aiding great white shark conservation. As a volunteer, not only will you get the incredible opportunity to dive with sharks, but you will also assist the team in raising awareness of the great white as you work alongside tourists and local school children to provide them with knowledge of the local environment and the importance of living in harmony with South Africa’s marine life.

Volunteers Review Their Experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Volunteers talk about their recent experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary in Borneo.

Latest Blog Arcticles


Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary May Update

Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary May Update

The Great Projects volunteer coordinators, Matt and Niamh,...

Latest At The Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Latest At The Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

The Great Projects' volunteer coordinators Matt and Niamh...

Volunteer Update From Samboja In April 2023

Volunteer Update From Samboja In April 2023

As the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Project begins once again...

Inge’s Experience at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary

Inge’s Experience at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary

Inge volunteered at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary in...

International Women's Day - The Most Inspirational Women In Conservation

International Women's Day - The Most Inspirational Women In Conservation

Join us in celebrating International Women's Day, as we...

The Celebration Of World Wildlife Day 2023

The Celebration Of World Wildlife Day 2023

The 3rd of March is an opportunity to celebrate the...

New Arrival at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

New Arrival at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

1-year-old baby orangutan, Iqo, has been freed from illegal...

Achievements at the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Project in 2022

Achievements at the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Project in 2022

After 2 difficult years, we finally welcomed volunteers...


Where you can go
Contact Info
UK Office
The Great Traveller Ltd,
3 Dairy Yard
Star Street
Ware, Hertfordshire
SG12 7DX
United Kingdom

Opening hours:
   Mon-Fri 8:30am–5:30pm
   Sat 10am-4pm

T: +44(0) 208 885 4987