Cactus Foundation

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Cactus Foundation

The Cactus Animal Shelter is an African based, direct action NGO for the protection and welfare of animals and children on the continent.

We are based in Lusaka, Zambia and Johannesburg, South Africa. Donations can be made to:

CACTUS ZAMBIA:
FNB ACC: 62916426598
Commercial Suite
260001
FIRNZMLX

CACTUS SOUTH AFRICA:
FNB ACC: 62923941125
Current Account
250655
FIRNZAJJ

The following mobile money accounts in Zambia:

MTN MOBILE MONEY: +260761543923

FNB Ewallet: +260761543923

AIRTEL MOBILE MONEY: +260970784182

22/08/2026

Thank You, Cherryl 💚🐾

Cherryl has been consistently sharing and reposting our work on Instagram, helping more people discover the animals in our care. 📲 Every share matters. It reaches new people, inspires adoptions, gives hope to animals waiting for a family, and reminds us we're not alone in this work. 🐶🐱🏡

What stands out is that Cherryl doesn't limit her support to us. 💕 She uses her platform to amplify animal shelters and rescue organizations across the board, giving a voice to animals in need everywhere. 🐾🌍 That kind of dedication to animal welfare, without asking for recognition, is something we deeply admire. ❤️

Today, we simply wanted to say thank you. 🙏💚 Your kindness, generosity, and unwavering support are making a real difference for the animals at Cactus and far beyond. Together, we're giving more animals a chance at the happy lives they deserve. 🐾🌿✨

20/08/2026

⛓️ Don't Chain Me. 💔

A dog is more than a guard. A dog is family.

Being chained all day takes away a dog's freedom to run, play, explore, and simply enjoy life. It can lead to loneliness, fear, stress, and even health problems.

Every dog deserves:
🐾 A safe place to rest
💚 Daily exercise
🥣 Fresh food and clean water
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Love and companionship
🦴 The freedom to move and be part of the family

If you truly love your dog, don't leave them at the end of a chain. Give them the life they deserve.

Let's choose compassion. Let's choose kindness.

🐶 A dog belongs beside you—not tied away from you.

19/08/2026

Cleanliness = Care 🧹💚

Bleach doesn't sound glamorous, but it might be the unsung hero of every rescue story here. A clean shelter means fewer diseases, safer kennels, and healthier animals waiting for their second chance. 🐾

Our cleaning supplies run out fast and we could use backup! Disinfectants, detergents, hand sanitizer, laundry soap, gloves, mops, buckets, you name it. 🧼🧴🪣

No donation is too small. Every bottle helps keep things sparkling for the dogs 🐕, cats 🐱, goats 🐐, and everyone else who calls Cactus home while they wait for their forever one. 🏡💚

DM us if you'd like to help scrub in! 🙏🏽🐾

18/08/2026

⚠️⚠️⚠️ Some DARK HUMOUR ahead 😅

Our founder found Riggie on the side of the road — a tiny puppy who'd been lying in the sun all day, severely dehydrated and barely conscious. On the drive to the vet he started twitching, and she spent the rest of that journey convinced she was watching rigor mortis set in. 😱

It was low blood glucose. The clinic fixed it in minutes. 🙏🏽

And that, in the most embarrassing way possible, is how this handsome boy got his name. 🤦🏽‍♀️💚

Today Riggie is a cream-white Arabian Greyhound with the legs to match. He's happiest with room to run — wide open space, a good stretch of field, a couple of doggy friends to race. 🏃‍♂️🌿

He's social and easy with people and other animals, which makes him a great fit for an active family or someone who spends a lot of time outdoors. ❤️

Riggie has grown up here at the shelter. He's ready for a home of his own now, with space to run in it. DM us to arrange a meet and greet with this special boy. 🐾🐾

17/08/2026

🐾 Meet Maeleys! 🩷🐱

This sweet mum came to us after a kind rescuer found her and her two kittens living on the streets. One of her kittens didn't make it but Maeleys has never stopped caring for her remaining baby. 💔❤️‍🩹

Both mum and kitten have been fully vet-checked, treated, and given a clean bill of health. They're ready for their forever home. 🏡

Maeleys is as gentle and affectionate as they come. She's formed a special bond with her human friend Hitra, and as you can see in the photo, she LOVES cuddles and being close to the people she trusts. 🥹💚

You could adopt Maeleys on her own, or open your home to her and her kitten together. 🐾

DM us to arrange a meet and greet because this special girl is waiting to meet you. 🩷🩷

15/08/2026

Some people make a difference with a single act of kindness. Others choose to make kindness a way of life. Madam Comfort Mulenga is one of those special people. 💞💘💖

Time and time again, she has stood alongside Cactus Animal Shelter supporting us during adoption events, fundraising and collecting and delivering donations. She always finds a way to lend a helping hand whenever she can. Her generosity hasn't been a one-time gesture or a seasonal donation, it has become a beautiful example of consistent love and commitment to animal welfare.

Today, we simply want to pause and say thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

People like you inspire us to keep fighting for the animals. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 Thank you SO much 🩷

14/08/2026

Meet Gandalf! 🐾❤️

Gandalf's story started the moment he was born. His mom and siblings arrived at Cactus as newborns when their previous owner couldn't care for the litter. The shelter became home, and now, three years later, it's still the only home Gandalf has ever known.

He's grown into a gentle German Shepherd mix with a quiet confidence. When you first meet him, he can be shy around someone new, but this side of him only lasts for a very short time. Give him a moment to feel safe and he transforms. He'll seek you out for affection, greet you every single day with a quiet hello, and remind you why patience is one of the most beautiful parts of adoption.

Whoever adopts Gandalf will just need to understand and accept that little bit of shyness when he's meeting someone new. Once he knows he's safe with you, you'll get to see the sweet, loving boy the shelter team knows so well. ❤️

Gandalf loves to run. Watching him race around the shelter grounds, you see his real personality emerge: a dog who just wants to play, explore, and be part of someone's life. He would especially suit a home with plenty of space where he can run and enjoy himself, and he'd love having a doggy friend to share that space and his adventures with. 🐕🐾

The shelter team has given him everything they can. But after three years, Gandalf deserves to know what it feels like to have a home and family of his very own.

Now he needs what only a forever home can offer. If you're looking for a loyal companion who deserves a beautiful second chapter, come meet him.

Visit us or call to arrange a meet and greet. Gandalf is waiting. ❤️🏡

13/08/2026

Did you know you can now sponsor a dog or cat from our shelter? 🐶🐈

Not everyone is in a position to adopt or foster a dog or cat, but they still love animals and want to support. 💜💙🩷

You can sponsor a shelter resident of your choice from only K100 per month! You will receive monthly updates and photos of your chosen one and of course you're welcome to come take them for walks, loves and grooming whenever you want! 🦮🐕‍🦺 You'll also be featured on our socials (as long as you want to be!) 😍

Sponsorship is one of the most meaningful ways to support shelter animals, and if you're looking for that way to give back this might be just for you! 🩷

While adoption remains our ultimate goal, sponsorship allows compassionate individuals, families, or businesses to directly contribute to a dog’s care while it waits for a forever home.
The dogs and cats featured in this post represent the many shelter animals who rely on the kindness of others while they wait for a family of their own.
We invite individuals, families, schools, and businesses to join our sponsorship program and become part of a life‑changing journey.

Please DM us for more information!! 💘

12/08/2026

Snip, snip! ✂️🐾 This week our shelter team turned their attention to something small but mighty: routine nail trimming, as part of our ongoing animal care program.

Overgrown nails might not seem like a big deal, but they can make it uncomfortable for dogs to walk, run, and play. Left too long, they can even change a dog's posture, put extra strain on their joints, or crack and break — which is painful and raises the risk of infection. 💔

Nail trims have to be done with real care though. Inside every dog's nail is a sensitive blood vessel and nerve called the ""quick,"" and cutting into it causes pain and can make a dog fearful of future trims. Our team works slowly, trims a little at a time, and keeps a close eye on each dog's comfort throughout. 🙏🏽🙏🏽

It might seem like a small task, but routine grooming like this plays a big role in keeping our shelter animals healthy, comfortable, and ready for their forever homes. 🐾

If you ever need help with your own dog's nail care, please reach out to us!

11/08/2026

Are those white socks not adorable??!!

Annie's journey to Cactus Animal Shelter began when her previous owner made the heartbreaking decision to surrender her. They could no longer afford to provide the food and essential care she needed. Annie was loved, and we saw how sad she was when her family left her with us. ❤️‍🩹

Annie has the most beautiful colouring and a gorgeous coat. She's energetic, active, and happiest when she has space to run and play with her canine friends. 🐶

When meeting new people, Annie can be a little shy at first. She likes to take her time getting to know someone, but once she feels comfortable, she transforms into a loving and playfil girl.

If you're looking for a gorgeous, loyal companion with a playful spirit and a heart full of love please consider adopting Annie!

DM us to arrange a meet and greet 😊😊

Address

Lusaka

Telephone

+260977653031

Website

https://cactus.africa/

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