One Cat started with Three volunteers from different backgrounds and different countries  who all shared One dream - to work with Big Cats, particularly, lions. Their dream brought them all to South africa, where they devoted themselves to the behavioral study and husbandry of this magnificent Cat. In 2017, this dream finally brought them all together and the idea for one cat, and the mission that tied them together, to protect and provide the best possible future for the animals they love, became a reality.

Alexey Tikhonov

Co-FOUNDER

As a child in Russia, and then scientist in biochemistry, Alexey always knew he wanted to work with lions. Eventually that dream brought him to South Africa, where he self-financed the care and rescue 9 lions, many of them sick cubs who would have been left to die, from breeding farms linked to canned hunting. After selling his home in Russia and securing his position at Wits University and permanent residency in South Africa, he spends all his money and free time providing a better future for the lions he saved and the future of the species.

Claudia Sidman

Co-FOUNDER

A former event designer and New York native, in 2010 she closed down her business and has been volunteering with wildlife ever since. Her work has taken her all around the world, from Thailand to Costa Rica, Zambia and South Africa, where she has worked in sanctuaries with everything from domestic pets to elephants to chimpanzees. In 2014 she started volunteering with lions and she knew she was home. She feels blessed to have earned the trust of the several lions she has raised and One Cat is the first step toward protecting and ensuring the happiness and well being of lions for the rest of her life.

Quintin Reynders

Co-FOUNDER

As far back as he can remember, as a South African native, Quintin has always wanted to work with Big Cats. After highschool, he finally got the opportunity to do so, and his passion has only continued to grow from there. As Head Animal Handler for 3 years in South Africa, he learned to work with Lions, Cheetahs, Tigers, venomous snakes, and even an Asian Black Bear.

Fearless and sensitive, his deep love for all animals has fostered close bonds with all the species he works with, though lions hold a particularly special place in his heart and having the opportunity to help them grow from vulnerable cubs to thriving adults has been the greatest joy and privilege of his life. His commitment to African wildlife extends to neighboring farms and reserves, where he donates time towards security and anti-poaching efforts.

Raj Gupta

Board Member

Philanthropist, Lion Conservationist, Advocate, and Motivational Speaker. Producer Raj Gupta grew up in streets of New York, surrounded by the world of entertainment. He has built a successful career as a mogul in the mainstream entertainment industry. Gupta has been a 15-year Recording Academy Member and former Grammy Advisory Committee Member.

In an effort to give back to the community at large, Gupta started getting involved as an advocate for Juveniles and troubled teens. Gupta is responsible for creating a Juvenile Behavior Modification Curriculum, which was supported and administered by the Honorable Judge Crenshaw in his Fourth Judicial Circuit courtroom. The program was an alternative to Juveniles being incarcerated and had a 97% success rate.

Gupta is truly enjoying his current role as Chairman of the Board, and is excited to complete filming of the documentary series for One Cat chronicling the culture and climate of modern South Africa and its inhabitants.

Nah Deh Simmons

Board Member

A native of Liberia, Nah Deh immigrated to the United States in 1987. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Virginia Union University. A passionate learner, he also attended the Texas Southern University, where he earned his Juris Doctorate, before moving on to pursue his MBA from the St. Leo University, Florida. Throughout his academic career Nah Deh held reputable positions and was integral to the growth of several organizations. In Virginia, he served as an intern at the Richmond Police Training Academy. During this time, he was a mentor and advocate of Juveniles and Youth through the Youth Advocate Program in NJ and the AGAPE House in Richmond, VA.

Nah Deh embraced the philanthropic path when he relocated to Jacksonville, by volunteering and interning at the Jacksonville Area Legal Aid. He is an active participant in the community and dedicates his time to teaching as an Adjunct Professor at Keiser University. He also sits at the board of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Jacksonville Chapter. Furthermore, he has served as an Assistant Public Defender for the Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida. Nah-Deh uses his experience to develop his community in all aspects. He currently runs a law firm that focuses on Entertainment, Sports, Nonprofit, and Advocating for Justice.

Megan White

Board Member

Megan is a UK native. She currently works as a Senior Researcher in London, with a passion for animals and nature in South Africa. She has had experience working hands-on at animal sanctuaries and parks since 2012, and has worked with over 50 animal species. Her speciality is studying the relationships created between humans and animals, as well as the depths of relationships and communication between a species. She has worked with the One Cat Founders since 2014, and is passionate about educating others. Using her experience from previous client-facing roles, she is eager to lead talks and impassion others on behavior and conservation. In particular, she is keen to demolish the belief that animals do not think or feel. Despite being a self-professed dog person and her diverse work with different species, her main field of focus is on Big Cats, and of course, especially lions.

Jessica Klčo

Vice President

Jess grew up in a small farm town in Michigan. Her family's farm house is where Jess first found her passion and love for animals and holistic living. After acquiring several years of experience managing businesses, banking, auditing, and marketing, still nothing felt like home and satisfied her desire to give back to the community and world.

Today, Jess travels the US to educate and raise awareness for wild animals in South Africa. Bringing together the community to help lions escape their fate of extinction. She has extensive experience and training for building off the grid sustainable homes with Earthship Biotecture. Her time at the Earthship Academy has laid the path for our plans for building sustainable communities in both South Africa and the United States.