Celebrating World Veterinary Day: Animal Welfare Takes a Team
Honouring Dr. Christine Steyrer and the Team at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary
Bethlehem, 07 April 2025 – As the global community commemorates World Veterinary Day on April 26, 2025, under the theme "Animal Health Takes a Team," LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary proudly highlights the exceptional dedication of its resident veterinarian, Dr. Christine Steyrer, and the collaborative efforts of the entire team in providing unparalleled care to rescued big cats.
World Veterinary Day, established by the World Veterinary Association in 2000, serves to recognise the vital contributions of veterinarians to animal health, public health, and environmental protection. This year's theme emphasises the collaborative nature of veterinary practice, acknowledging that effective animal care often relies on the combined expertise of diverse professionals.
At LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, established by the global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS, around 100 big cats rescued from circuses, zoos, and private ownership find a lifelong home in species-appropriate enclosures. Dr. Christine Steyrer, an Austrian-born veterinarian with a veterinary qualification from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna and a master's degree from the University of Pretoria, leads the medical team. Her role is pivotal in ensuring the physical and mental well-being of these majestic animals.
Sanctuary Manager Hildegard Pirker emphasises the importance of teamwork in achieving their mission:
In alignment with the World Veterinary Day 2025 theme, LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary exemplifies how multidisciplinary collaboration enhances animal health and welfare. Visitors are invited to experience firsthand the sanctuary's commitment to ethical animal care and learn more about the vital work being done to protect and rehabilitate big cats.
For more information, please visit our website at www.four-paws.org.za
/ENDS
Deidre Daniels
Public Relations Officer+27 (0)21 702 4277
+27 (0)78 675 8220
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Green Building, Cape Town, 7945
A Public Relations professional with over eight years’ experience in fostering positive relationships between organisations and media.
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FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organisation for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them. Founded in 1988 in Vienna by Heli Dungler and friends, the organisation advocates for a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy and understanding. The sustainable campaigns and projects of FOUR PAWS focus on companion animals including stray dogs and cats, farm animals and wild animals – such as bears, big cats and orangutans – kept in inappropriate conditions as well as in disaster and conflict zones. With offices in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Kosovo, the Netherlands, Switzerland, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine, the UK, the USA and Vietnam as well as sanctuaries for rescued animals in eleven countries, FOUR PAWS provides rapid help and long-term solutions. www.four-paws.org.za