Panthera 336d ago

A decade ago, with fewer than 5,000 leopards existing in South Africa, at least 800 of the country’s leopards were killed annually for their fur. These coveted coats are used in ceremonial regalia by cultural and religious groups that revere the species. The adoption of Heritage Furs—high-quality, synthetic fur alternatives that retain the beauty and significance of authentic furs—allows these vibrant cultural and religious ceremonies to continue for many years into the future with the same beauty of the authentic furs but without the threat to wildlife populations. Through Panthera’s Furs for Life program, over 22,000 Heritage Furs have been supplied to southern African communities consisting of over  7 million members. Celebrating its 12-year anniversary in 2025, Furs for Life continues to grow with new partners joining the effort annually. Learn more about the program’s history and our partners below.