Big Cats
Big Cats
Big Cats
Big Cats
Big Cats

Volunteer With Big Cats


Big cats are majestic and intelligent animals. Some live in groups, like the mighty lion, whereas others are solitary species, such as the regal tiger. One thing they all have in common though is that they need our help.

Over the years, big cat populations have continuously declined for a number of reasons ranging from habitat loss to poaching. As apex predators, they play a vital role in helping to keep the ecosystem in balance. The Great Projects offer you the chance to witness these fascinating and furious felines on our various big cat conservation programs in a range of stunning locations, from Namibia to South Africa - all you have to do is take your pick!

Big cats have become recognised and adored through childhood stories such as The Lion King, The Jungle Book, and various nature documentaries from the likes of David Attenborough and the BBC. Volunteer with big cats and you will help to provide these animals with a sustainable future for generations to come.

Volunteering with big cats involves a range of activities, from safari drives to help with game counts or behaviour monitoring, right through to caring for them right out on the reserves and protected areas they live in. Depending on where you go, you may even help to feed them!

Our big cat volunteer programs are truly rewarding, and you will walk away knowing you have actively contributed to big cat conservation.

So volunteer with big cats today!

Projects Do More

SanWild Sanctuary & Reserve

SanWild Sanctuary & Reserve
Traveller rating:

7 - 56 Nights from $1,994.00

Join a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation in South Africa like none other. Contribute to the conservation of the iconic 'Big 5' and support meaningful wildlife rescue and rehabilitation missions at the SanWild Sanctuary & Reserve!

View Project

Signature Tours See More

Big Cat Articles

Inge’s Experience at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary

Inge volunteered at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary in January 2023. Read today’s blog to find out about her experience and what adventures she got up to as a volunteer. Inge highlights up-close interactions with amazing wildlife, witnessing the incredible morning views in Namibia, and creating lifelong memories.

Inge’s Experience at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary

Florian's Review of the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary!

Florian volunteered at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary in August 2021 and took the time to share with us some of his favourite highlights, alongside some wonderful photos! Have a read of today's blog to see what you could experience when volunteering in Namibia.

Florian's Review of the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary!

Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary's Roaring Success At TimBila

The Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary celebrates a roaring success at the TimBila Nature Reserve. After saving two lion cubs on the brink of starvation, the team have released the cats from their rehabilitative bomas into their freedom on the reserve, safe from the clutches of human-carnivore conflict that tragically took their mother and sibling from them. 

Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary's Roaring Success At TimBila
Eszter's Experience of the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary!

Eszter's Experience of the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary!

Volunteer Eszter joined the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary team...

From Canada to Zimbabwe, Two Cheetahs Successfully Rewilded!

From Canada to Zimbabwe, Two Cheetahs Successfully Rewilded!

The Rhino and Elephant Conservation Project, in partnership...

Scott's 6 Day Dunes And Wildlife Experience!

Scott's 6 Day Dunes And Wildlife Experience!

Scott tells all about his Namibian adventure on the 6 Day...

Check Out Doug's Volunteer Review of the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary

Check Out Doug's Volunteer Review of the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary

Find out what volunteer Doug had to say about his time at...

More Blog Articles

Big Cats At A Glance

ENDANGERED STATUS
16 Species Considered Vulnerable/Endangered/Critically Endangered.
NUMBER REMAINING IN THE WILD
Dependent On Species
ENDEMIC REGION
Asia, Africa, the Americas

How Endangered Are Big Cats

There are many species of big cat that live across the planet’s 7 continents, but the most endangered of them all is the Amur leopard, with just roughly 60 of these majestic big cats remaining in the wild. Other big cats whose numbers are worryingly low are: the South China tiger, Asiatic cheetah, and the Scottish Wildcat.

Despite varying population numbers, all big cats are facing many threats each day, and this is why big cat volunteers are so desperately needed. Numbers are only going to continue to fall unless change happens. One of the ways you can help is by volunteering with big cats, and The Great Projects offer such opportunities in both Africa and Asia!

Volunteer with big cats and you could make a real difference.

Threats Big Cats Are Facing

Threats that big cats face every day vary from habitat to habitat. However, the following are some threats that all big cats are subject to:

  • Habitat Depletion – with growing human populations, more and more land is being taken away from big cats to make room for settlements. Whether it be farmers out in the African bush, or loggers in the forests of Asia, big cat habitat continues to decrease at a frightening rate.
  • Poaching – these animals are prized for their body parts which many believe have medicinal values, despite there being evidence that this is not true. Trophy hunting is also a huge concern, and while many big cats are trophy hunted illegally, the practice is still very much legal in many countries.
Fast Facts
  • Big cats are not only named so for their stature compared to other felines, but also because of their ability to roar. Big cats have a specialised larynx and a unique feature of the throat called a hyoid, which allows them to produce deep, loud rumbling roars.
  • A “Panther” isn’t actually a real animal, it is an umbrella term for cougars, mountain lions, pumas, jaguars and leopards.
  • Cheetahs are by far the speediest species of big cat, as they can reach speeds of up to 70 mph! That’s the national speed limit in the UK.
  • The species classified as big cats include lions, tigers, cheetahs, leopards, snow leopards, clouded leopards and cougar.
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

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