Cam Whitnall on Saving Lions, Fighting Wildlife Crime & Building the UK’s Leading Big Cat Sanctuary
In this inspiring episode of Yours For The Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Cam Whitnall, Director of The Big Cat Sanctuary, wildlife photographer for Nikon, social media creator, and passionate conservationist.Cam shares the remarkable story of rescuing five lions from Ukraine, navigating the complexities of the illegal wildlife trade, and building a state-of-the-art lion habitat, one of the most advanced in the UK. He explains how social media, content creation, and viral storytelling have become powerful tools for wildlife conservation, fundraising, and public awareness.From growing up in a family of zoo and sanctuary operators to building a 20-year vision for the future of big cat care, Cam reveals the behind-the-scenes reality of managing a sanctuary, working with DEFRA on zoo standards, and balancing media influence with on-the-ground animal welfare.Key topics covered:The Lion Rescue from Ukraine: How Cam and his team saved lions trapped in the illegal pet trade during the war.Illegal Wildlife Trade: Why it’s the fourth largest illegal trade globally and how it impacts lions, tigers, and other endangered species.Building the Best Lion Habitat in the UK: Fundraising over £500,000 to create a world-class sanctuary.Zoo vs Sanctuary: Understanding the difference between good and bad zoos, sanctuaries, and rescues.Social Media for Conservation: How Cam leverages TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to reach over 2 million followers and drive real-world change.Rewilding and the Future of Conservation: Plans for reintroducing big cats to the wild and creating global conservation partnerships.Family Legacy: How Cam’s granddad’s 1980s rescue of a lion inspired today’s modern sanctuary approach.Balancing Roles: Being a content creator, wildlife photographer, and managing director of a leading conservation charity.Enjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson - founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on shows such as The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Key Moments:00:00 – Intro: Meet Cam Whitnall & The Big Cat Sanctuary01:45 – How Cam Became a Conservationist & Content Creator04:10 – The Big Cat Sanctuary’s 20-Year Vision06:55 – The Story of Rescuing Lions from Ukraine10:12 – The Illegal Wildlife Trade Explained12:45 – How the Ukraine Lion Rescue Happened15:30 – Building a £500k Lion Habitat from Scratch17:50 – Why There’s a Black Market for Big Cats19:30 – The Reality of Running a Sanctuary vs a Zoo22:10 – Animal Welfare: Good Zoos vs Bad Zoos24:05 – New DEFRA Standards & UK Zoo Regulations26:20 – Behind the Scenes of Animal Rescues in the UK28:30 – Cam’s Family Legacy: 3 Generations of Animal Care31:05 – Balancing Social Media with Conservation Work33:40 – How Social Media Helps Raise Conservation Funds36:10 – Rewilding & The Future of Big...
UK