Big cat sanctuary appeals for funds after devastating fire

Two other animals sustained burns.

At one point, a one-eyed tiger called Arabella disappeared into the smoke, but it was later found in its enclosure.

Cornwall said it was a blessing that the staff managed to get most of the cats out, unharmed. She put it down to them having a deep love for the animals and explains how the felines ended up at the sanctuary.

"We rescue animals from abuse, from zoos, from circuses, from breeding, and we just provide them with a better home environment. These animals cannot be released back into the wild, but that does not mean that they should be abused and exploited. So at our facility, we do not breed, we do not trade, we do not interact. We provide them a forever home where they can retire until the day they pass."

The sanctuary, which makes money by educating tourists, turned 10 last year. Now, with four enclosures burnt down and three partially damaged, its future hangs in the balance.

"It's a lifelong dream that went up in flames," said Cornwell, who has appealed for funds to help pay eleven staff members, vet bills and of course the continued care of the animals.

Cornwall added that they are speaking to investigators about the cause of the fire, which was fanned by '80 km/h winds' and moved quickly. It was one of several massive blazes in the Western Cape Province in recent days.