Kids Say the Darndest Things About Animals

Bethlehem, 02 October 2026 – Children often ask the questions adults have forgotten to ask. "Why was the lion living in a cage?" "Do rescued animals get a second chance?" and "Can lions be happy again?" are just some of the thoughtful questions learners ask during educational visits to LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary.

Ahead of World Teachers' Day on 5 October, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is celebrating the important role teachers play in helping children better understand animals and the world around them.

While educators are best known for shaping academic success, they also encourage curiosity, critical thinking and empathy. Through classroom discussions and hands-on learning experiences, teachers help learners explore important topics such as animal welfare, conservation and responsible stewardship of nature.

Educational visits to sanctuaries such as LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary near Bethlehem brings these lessons to life. Seeing rescued lions and tigers thriving in species-appropriate habitats allows learners to learn about the impact of animal exploitation, the importance of rescue and rehabilitation and the responsibility humans have towards animals in their care.

According to Hildegard Pirker, Sanctuary Manager at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, these experiences can have a profound impact on young minds. "Children have an incredible sense of fairness and compassion when it comes to animals. They ask honest questions and often remind us of something very important, that every animal deserves a life free from suffering."

Pirker says teachers instrumental in helping learners transform their observations into meaningful learning opportunities. "A visit to LIONSROCK is much more than a school outing. Teachers help learners connect the stories behind the animals they meet and why animal welfare matters. These experiences often stay with them long after they leave the sanctuary."

In addition to learning about rescued big cats, learners are encouraged to think about their own role in creating a kinder world for animals and people alike. "When children hear the stories behind these rescued animals, they begin to understand that every action can make a difference. Teachers help nurture that understanding and inspire young people to become thoughtful and compassionate citizens," says Pirker.

As South Africa celebrates World Teachers' Day, FOUR PAWS extends its gratitude to educators who go beyond the curriculum to inspire curiosity, empathy and a lifelong commitment to protecting animals.

"Many learners leave LIONSROCK talking about the animals they met and the stories they heard. We are grateful to the teachers who make these experiences possible and who help shape a future where animals are treated with respect, empathy and understanding," concludes Pirker.

For more information, please visit our website at www.lionsrock.org