Bethlehem, 12 December 2024 – FOUR PAWS’ LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary is proud to announce its transformative Eco-School Leadership Programme, scheduled for the December school holidays. This unique initiative offers an opportunity for young leaders to explore the vital connections between people, animals, and nature while developing skills for visionary and sustainable leadership.

“Connection with animals and nature allows leaders to understand that they are not separate from the systems they lead, but integral to them. This programme equips participants with the empathy, respect, and holistic perspective needed to lead in a world where harmony between people, animals, and nature is essential,” says Hildegard Pirker, Sanctuary Manager.

The Eco-School Leadership Programme is an immersive three-day experience designed for school, college, and university students in leadership roles, as well as youth and professional groups. Participants will engage in activities that bridge leadership theory with the practice of compassion and care for animals and the environment.

Highlights include:

• A guided tour of LIONSROCK to meet rescued big cats and understand their journeys.
• Hands-on enrichment activities to support the mental and physical well-being of animals.
• Workshops on animal welfare, sustainable leadership, and mental health.
• Team-building sessions emphasising ubuntu, empathy, and conflict resolution.
• An eco-tour hiking experience fostering connection with nature and physical well-being.
• An introduction to sustainable living practices, including food security and eco-friendly gardening.

The programme is centred around three themes:

1. Animal Welfare, Ubuntu, and Benevolent Leadership: Instilling a compassionate approach to leadership that values justice and responsibility.
2. Sustainable Leadership: Encouraging innovative solutions to environmental challenges while promoting teamwork and inclusivity.
3. One Welfare Framework: Highlighting the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental well-being.

“Our hope is that participants leave not only with a deeper understanding of the natural world and their role within it, but also as empowered leaders ready to champion positive change in their communities,” adds Pirker.

Programme Details

• Date: 01 December until 23 December 2024
• Duration: Three days (available between Monday to Saturday)
• Venue: LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, Free State
• Target Groups: School leadership teams, university students, community youth groups, and corporate professionals seeking leadership development.

For registration or further information about the Eco-School Leadership Programme, please reach out to us at education@lionsrock.org or visit our website on www.lionsrock.org, we would be happy to send you more information. Kindly note that the programme is available on request throughout the year.

LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary: South African sanctuary for rescued big cats.

LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary is one of the 13 wild animal sanctuaries and cooperation projects established by FOUR PAWS worldwide. It is currently home to almost 100 rescued big cats, including lions, tigers and leopards. They were rescued from private keeping, circuses, zoos, and conflict zones all across the globe. The sanctuary encompasses a total area of 1,250 hectares. The land is also inhabited by other typical South African species that live freely like zebras and antelopes, as well as a wide variety of bird species that have found refuge on the property.