Cango Chronicles

Prickles came into our care as a tiny, wide-eyed orphan—rescued after his mother was tragically killed by dogs on a nearby farm. From that moment on, he became part of our family, wrapped in warmth and raised with the kind of love and devotion that only a little abandoned porcupine could inspire.

The Flood That Tested Us – and the Strength That Carried Us Through

Exactly one year ago, on 4 June 2024, Cango Wildlife Ranch faced one of the most devastating natural events in our 40+ year history. Today, we pause—not to relive the hardship, but to reflect on the resilience, bravery, and unity that saw us through.

How Retired Architect Joseph Zwick left a lasting mark at Cango Wildlife Ranch, Oudtshoorn — June 2025

Conservation is often powered by passionate volunteers — and every so often, one leaves behind a legacy that echoes long after they’ve gone. This past May, retired architect Joseph Otto Zwick spent three weeks enriching the lives of lemurs, aviary birds, and staff alike during his stay as part of the Wild Animal Volunteers program.

At Cango Wildlife Ranch, innovation and conservation go hand in hand. Today, we’re thrilled to announce the completion of our brand-new artificial wetlands bio-filter—a project that not only reduces our reliance on municipal and borehole sources but also exemplifies our commitment to sustainable water management. Join us as we dive into how this wetland functions, the tangible benefits it provides, and the broader sustainability goals it helps us achieve.

THE EARTH HAS A STORY TO TELL, AND FOSSILS ARE THE PAGES THAT REVEAL IT.

On the morning of Thursday, 22 May 2025, a rather eclectic band of adventurers set out from Oudtshoorn, bound for a site of prehistoric wonder hidden deep within the nearby Cango Valley: the legendary Boomplaas Cave.

Leopard Takes Down Snake—But You’ll Never Believe What It Really Is!

Our Wild Animal Volunteers (WAV’s) recently crafted a creative enrichment item as stimuli for Nanji, our resident African Leopard.

As the season of giving and celebration draws near, we are brimming with joy, and it’s all thanks to the tiniest members of our animal family!

Xyla’s Journey: A Leap Into the Wild...

The cheetah, an icon of speed and grace, is a symbol of the fragility of our natural world. Among these majestic creatures, one remarkable individual has captured the hearts of conservationists and animal lovers alike: Xyla, the first cheetah from Cango Wildlife Ranch to be rewilded in collaboration with SanWild Sanctuary. Her story is one of hope, perseverance, and the vital role conservation efforts play in preserving endangered species.

On this World Animal Day, we celebrate the beauty and diversity of the animals that share our planet. From majestic lions to delicate butterflies, every creature plays a vital role in nature's intricate web of wonder.

Mandela Day not only serves to honour the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, but it is a day which serves as a call to action for individuals and organisations to make a positive impact in their own communities.

This Mandela Day, we joined forces with local community members and organizations to clean-up a garbage filled trench which runs alongside a settlement on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn. The Cango Wildlife Ranch team was joined by the Wild Animal Volunteers, Oudtshoorn & De Rust Tourism, La Pension Guesthouse, and the Tourism Safety Officer from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (Western Cape Government). We spent the morning filling up countless refuse bags that were graciously sponsored by Vredebest Oudtshoorn. It wasn’t long before our ‘fleet’ of vehicles drew the attention of local residents, many of whom jumped in to help, creating a great opportunity to engage, teach and inspire.