Big cats, including lions, tigers, leopards, and cheetahs, are some of the most iconic yet endangered animals in the world. These apex predators face numerous threats, including habitat loss, poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal wildlife trade. In some countries like South Africa and China they are even farmed for their bones and for tourist entertainment. Careers in big cat conservation and animal welfare are crucial for their survival, offering a wide range of roles dedicated to protecting these majestic creatures.
[Credit Pawan Sharma]
Leading the way in big cat conservation and animal welfare:
- Panthera: Panthera is the global leader in big cat conservation, working to protect lion, tiger, leopard, and other wild cat species. Panthera offers roles in field research, conservation strategy development, and policy advocacy.
- Blood Lions: This organisation works to end the exploitation of lions, particularly in captive breeding operations. They focus on raising awareness of the unethical practices surrounding lion breeding and lion tourism, and offer opportunities in advocacy, research, and education.
- Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA): EIA works globally to combat wildlife trafficking and illegal trade, including the illegal trade of big cats and their body parts. Careers with EIA include roles in investigations, policy advocacy, and environmental law enforcement.
- FOUR PAWS: FOUR PAWS focuses on rescuing animals from the illegal wildlife trade, including big cats, and providing them with sanctuary. The organization works on both animal welfare and conservation issues and offers roles in animal rescue, advocacy, and sanctuary management.
- World Animal Protection: This global organization focuses on protecting animals from cruelty, including the illegal trade and exploitation of big cats in tourism. They offer opportunities in animal welfare policy, public awareness campaigns, and fieldwork supporting big cat conservation efforts.
To explore more unique career options in the wildlife sector, take a look at our Wildlife Career Accelerator and Wildlife Work Directory.
Examples of job roles protecting big cats are:
Field Biologist/Conservation Researcher
One of the most exciting and critical roles in big cat conservation is that of a field biologist or conservation researcher. These professionals work in the wild, collecting data on big cat populations, behaviors, and habitat use. Fieldwork often involves tracking cats using GPS collars, camera traps, and direct observation, helping to monitor their health, movement patterns, and conservation needs. Researchers often collaborate with local communities and governments to create effective conservation strategies.
Wildlife Protection and Law Enforcement
In regions where big cats face poaching and illegal trade threats, wildlife protection officers are vital. These roles involve monitoring protected areas, conducting anti-poaching operations, and ensuring that laws designed to protect big cats are enforced. They may also work with local communities to reduce human-wildlife conflict, such as livestock predation by wild cats. Strong law enforcement and community engagement are key to curbing illegal hunting and habitat destruction.
Animal Welfare Advocate/Policy Officer
Animal welfare professionals and policy officers work to influence laws and policies that protect big cats, whether in the wild or captivity. These roles often involve advocating for the welfare of big cats in sanctuaries and zoos, as well as fighting against cruel practices such as trophy hunting, canned hunting, and the illegal wildlife trade. Animal welfare advocates may work in governmental organisations, NGOs, or international bodies, pushing for legislative changes and public awareness.
Education and Outreach Coordinator
Education and outreach coordinators help raise awareness about big cat conservation issues. These professionals work with schools, communities, and media outlets to teach the public about the importance of big cats and the threats they face. They may organise workshops, campaigns, and wildlife tours to engage local communities and promote conservation efforts. These roles are essential for building long-term support for big cat conservation.
Big cat conservation and animal welfare offer diverse and rewarding career paths that directly contribute to the protection of some of the world's most iconic species. Whether in field research, policy advocacy, wildlife protection, or education, professionals in these roles play an essential part in securing the future of big cats. Organizations like Panthera, Blood Lions, EIA, FOUR PAWS, and World Animal Protection are at the forefront of these efforts, providing opportunities to make a real difference in the lives of big cats and the ecosystems they inhabit. Aspiring professionals passionate about wildlife protection and animal welfare can find meaningful careers in this field, with the chance to contribute to global conservation efforts.
