Our #KeepItWild challenge is about raising the voices of South Africa’s youth and honouring our wildlife heritage.
Every submission made to our #KeepItWild challenge will be compiled and sent in an open letter to Minister Dr Dion George to urge him to finalise the closure of the commercial captive lin industry and extend the same protection to other wild cats.
Join the challenge by submitting your photography portraying wild cats exactly where they belong – wild and free. Entries are not limited to species found in South Africa and can include leopards, cheetahs, tigers, jaguars, servals, and caracals. Showcase your special moment and tell us why it left a mark on you.
– Send a photograph of your favorite big cat sighting in the wild.
– This includes any big cat species (including those beyond Africa).
– Write a caption describing why it was so special to witness this big cat wild and free.
Deadline: 24 October 2025
When challenge is over, Youth For Lions will compile all submissions and send
them with an open letter to the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries, & the Environment’s Minister, Dr Dion George, calling on him to take decisive action by:
-Implementing a moratorium on breeding.-
– Implementing a time-bound phase out of the captive lion industry.
-Extending protection to all captive predators.
Luqman Ebrahim
An embodiment of pure power and dominance that mother nature displays, is shown in a lion.
Light Ngomane
This was the day I got to see all the big fives in one day which is a rear occasion. This photo of a Lion is a reminder of that special day. And I am a big fan of Wild cats.
Owen Gröbler
Witnessing this cheetah Mother’s graceful glide atop a ridge in such a dramatic setting, while she searched for a meal for her cubs was an unforgettable moment. Observing big cats in their natural environment wraps a person in an unparalleled wellness and I wish everyone had such an opportunity.
Kaya Negus-Bullock
To view how they should be. Wild at heart and free. No exploitation. Free to move and behave how they feel necessary.
Amy Williams
Each time you see a wild big cat it's such an amazing experience. They are such beautiful creatures and it's such an honor to get to spend a little bit of time with them. There are very few experiences that can come close to being with these powerful creatures in the wild
Amy Robertson
Experiencing a big cat in the wild is profoundly impactful because that is where they truly belong. They are born into the wild, and rightfully so it is their natural home. Breeding them in captivity and exploiting them for entertainment or profit is deeply inhumane. If the same were done to humans, there would be an outcry, yet these animals cannot speak for themselves. They cannot hold signs, march, or demand justice and that is why it is our responsibility to be their voice.
Bahiyya Adam
As we were safely behind the closed doors of the car, the lion walked past us, looking right at us. I could actually smell its breath and feel its power, sensing it was in charge of the situation. Had the lion been behind doors or us looking at it through glass or a cage, the moment of pure wild beauty wouldn't have been captured
Elisna Jansen
Cheetahs are my absolute favourite animals and this was the first time seeing one in the wild. It gave me hope.
Robert Hawes
This was so special as we had flown into the Okavango Delta in the morning and this was our first game drive. There was a lot of excitement before when we saw wild dogs and then we saw this beautiful young leopard. It was so awesome to see this incredible animal up close and see its strength as it held onto the branch. There was something so hypnotic about its eyes. I can't even describe how this made me feel. Definitely, one memory I will remember forever.
Marco Ma
Seeing this lion relaxing and sleeping comfortably made me feel optimistic about their current living conditions. Also, I found great similarity between its gesture and that of family cats, making it so adorable. I sensed the beauty of nature from this picture.
Arno Smit
It is the way it was intended
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