Latest News - Page 2

Giant swarms of Brown Locusts continue to plague areas of the Western and Eastern Cape and Central Karoo, just brushing along the borders of the Klein Karoo. According to entomologist and locust expert, Dr Roger Price (TimesLIVE), some of the swarms are over a thousand hectares large and 30km long when in flight - the largest plague in South Africa in 25 years!

Forming part of our ongoing Amazonia route, our little Agouti family shares a beautiful enclosure adjacent to our Rainforest Bird Aviary. Agoutis are large tropical rodents native to Central and South America, similar to Guinea Pigs but with much longer legs, that can launch them up to 6 feet in the air!

Similar in appearance to Guinea pigs, only larger and with longer legs, Red Rumped Agoutis are members of the rodent family.

Nothing brings joy like the pitter-patter (and purrs) of new life, which is exactly what we have been blessed with! On 7 November, first-time mom, Sansa (cheetah) gave birth to 4 perfect little bundles of fur at our private reserve.

Poaching is a harsh and ugly reality threatening a multitude of species globally. In many cases, it is single-handedly responsible for the endangerment and extinction of a species. Daily, we broach this subject on our educational guided tours to educate visitors on the plights of the species we house and the impact of bushmeat crisis. Never, not once, did we ever think that we would experience it on our own property.

Today, on 3 September 2021, across South Africa, we celebrate Casual Day.

Casual Day is the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD)’s flagship awareness and fundraising project. This annual campaign has been running since 1995! The public’s contribution of R20.00 for a Casual Day sticker entitles them to express their individual interpretation of the yearly theme through their outfits, showing their support for the full inclusion and equity of persons with disabilities. This year’s theme is inspired by Disney’s “Ultimate Disney Princess Celebration”, which champions the qualities embodied in the chosen theme, COURAGE & KINDNESS. Two words that truly personify the differently-abled warriors that this campaign exists for.

Lizards, a widespread group of squamate reptiles, range across all continents with the exception of Antarctica and there are an astonishing 6000 different species worldwide! They range in size, from tiny chameleons and geckos to the 3 meter long Komodo dragon.

Today, 14 August, is World Lizard Day and there couldn’t be a day more suited to highlight these incredible creatures and to introduce you to our newest Cango additions… We welcome 2 pairs of species, The Green (Common) Iguana and the Mexican Beaded Lizard.

We are fundraising this year for Cango Wildlife Ranch! The pandemic has hit them hard and they need help to make sure they can keep caring for their furry family!

A group of amazing streams and volunteers have come together to raise funds and make a difference in the lives of these animals!

Today is a big day as Agatha, our adored radiated tortoise, celebrates her 80th birthday!

Friends of the Ranch,

A year of trials has tested us like never before... and although the battle is ongoing, and our spirit sometimes gets weary, we recognize and acknowledge our privilege in knowing our purpose, and we are reminded of it daily in the glorious eyes of our dependants.

And what a year it has been...