The dedicated inspectorate team of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA took on the 5km Sanlam Peace Run this past Saturday to raise critical funds in their relentless fight to protect those who cannot speak for themselves.

Cape Town, South Africa (21 October 2024) – On the crisp Saturday morning of 19 October, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA team of dedicated inspectors laced up their running shoes and took on the 5km Sanlam Peace Run.

With every stride, they carried the weight of countless animals who have suffered, those still waiting for rescue, and those who have found comfort in their care.

Led by Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse, the team’s efforts were a powerful statement against animal cruelty.

Thanks to the incredible support of those who generously ploughed into the fundraising initiative, Cape of Good Hope SPCA was able to raise 50% of their R100,000 goal!

“This race was more than just a run. It was a statement—we will never stop fighting against animal cruelty.

“Your donations keep our inspectors on the road, rescuing animals from abuse and neglect. They provide medical care, food, shelter, and love to animals who have known nothing but pain,” the organisation said.

To all those who contributed, cheered and stood in solidarity with the runners in the fight against cruelty, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA thanks you!

“Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are unstoppable. Together, we are their voice.”

But their mission is far from over. There’s still time to donate and help them reach their ultimate goal!

Every rand you give makes a difference in an animal’s life. Visit the Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s GivenGain page to make a donation.

Sources: Cape of Good Hope SPCA

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Romeo was once a circus lion forced to perform and kept in a tiny cage in France. But thanks to animal heroes, this week he got to explore his new home in South Africa where the white lion can live in peace:

Bethlehem, South Africa (17 May 2024) — Romeo the former circus lion no longer has to live his days being exploited for shows in France. The five-year-old white lion has successfully been transferred to his new home in South Africa as of this week, thanks to all the heroes with lion’s hearts that made his freedom possible.

Until 2023, Romeo was kept as a circus lion where he was confined to a tiny cage inside of a truck whenever he was not being forced to perform. But in August of that year, things changed for Romeo after Belgian wild animal sanctuary Natuurhulpcentrum stepped in to rescue him.

When he was rescued, Romeo was only a shadow of the lion he could be; underweight and suffering from infections. The Natuurhulpcentrum team made sure that he was looked after by giving him specialised care and his first taste of a new life.

“Romeo is a white lion. His friendliness with humans also indicates that he was hand-raised. Both of these circumstances can lead to long-term health consequences for a lion. In the care of Natuurhulpcentrum he has already improved a lot, and we will continue to ensure that he can recover from his past neglect and mistreatment.

It is nearly impossible to keep wild animals in circuses in a way that is appropriate to their natural behavior, ecology, and complex needs. FOUR PAWS advocates for an end of all animals in circuses, starting with a ban on the exploitation of wild animals for performances,” says Patricia Tiplea, Head of Wild Animal Rescue & Advocacy at FOUR PAWS.

Onto South African Horizons

Earlier this week, the time came for Romeo to embark on his next journey—moving into his forever home at FOUR PAWs’ Big Cat sanctuary, LIONSROCK.

Romeo arrived safely where a whole new world of space and other lions awaited him. Once he’s fully settled in and the experts have had time to monitor his behaviour and get to know his personality, he’ll get the opportunity to socialise with Nala—a female rescue lion whose enclosure will be next to Romeo’s!

White Lions and Tigers are Inbred for Commercial Exploitation

White big cats are not albinos – their white coat is caused by a rare and recessive mutation. While this mutation exists in the wild, it is very rare. Unfortunately, in captivity, this rare appearance has commercial value which means that lions like Romeo attract more visitors and are generally sold for higher prices. This also means that breeders actively pair animals with this recessive mutation to produce white offspring; resulting in inbreeding. Inbred animals, including lions, are more likely to develop health problems and suffer long-term health consequences.

“Romeo, like thousands of other big cats, is a victim of the commercial trade of big cats. The keeping and commercial trade of big cats is not properly regulated and enforced in Europe. Without proper management and control on trade within the EU and globally, the animals continue to be abused and exploited for entertainment and other commercial purposes, such as circuses, private keeping, unscrupulous zoos, for photo opportunities, for private hire, or in movies. This can be prevented by banning the commercial trade of big cats and their body parts. We urge all EU Members States to implement the 2023 EU Tiger Guidance to better protect these animals,” says Vanessa Amoroso, Head of Wild Animals in Trade at FOUR PAWS.

What Can We Do to Help More Lions?

FOUR PAWS has a reporting tool to report any suspicious or concerning activities to do with big cats. You can find it here, and learn more on how FOUR PAWS is working to end the suffering of wild animals for entertainment here.

Sources: Supplied—FOUR PAWS South 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Romeo the Former Circus Lion Free at Last in New SA Home appeared first on Good Things Guy.