Cango Chronicles - Page 2

Lions are among Africa’s most iconic predators, yet their future is far from secure. These social cats live in prides that work together to hunt, defend territory, and raise their young. In the wild, they play a vital role in keeping ecosystems balanced by controlling herbivore populations, which allows vegetation to recover and supports many other species. Over the past century, lions have lost more than 90 percent of their historic range....

Asandiswa Magodla (21), from Eastern Cape, shares her initial experience upon arriving at the ranch: "I expected a game ranch with free-roaming wildlife and some caves to explore since it’s given the name 'Cango,' but what I found was something special — a unique conservation environment where every animal has a name, a story to tell, and is cared for with love and dedication."

Everyone has heard of David Attenborough, acclaimed naturalist and host of a myriad of documentaries on everything from the mating habits of highly endangered New Zealand Kakapo to ancient mammoth graveyards, to the impacts of climate change on Antarctic penguins. However, in the zoological world there is another name that, though perhaps not as well known, still rings with significant gravitas on par with figures like Attenborough and, at one point, was...

Why Oudtshoorn is the Ideal Home for Wildlife and Visitors Alike At first glance, Oudtshoorn may appear to be just another small town nestled between the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountain ranges. But those who spend time here, whether local or visiting, quickly realise that this place is something extraordinary. With its semi-arid climate, minimal air pollution, and remarkably consistent sunshine, Oudtshoorn offers far more than just a picturesque setting. It provides a...

There are moments in veterinary studies that go far beyond anatomy charts and clinical rotations - moments that shape not only careers, but worldviews. For a group of American pre-vet students travelling abroad through the Loop Abroad programme, one of those moments happened not in a lecture hall or a lab, but at a modest dog shelter tucked away in the heart of South Africa.

The scent of this perfume, known for its musky and spicy notes, evokes an almost magical response in these apex predators. When used as scent enrichment, it can keep them captivated for several minutes, sometimes even hours.

We are proud to be one of the few facilities actively contributing to the survival of this incredible species through a dedicated conservation breeding programme. Our involvement goes beyond care — it’s about building a sustainable, genetically viable population that may one day help restore what has been lost in the wild.

True care recognises no species, no breed — only a life worth loving. On Friday, 18 July 20525, we traded our usual uniforms for jeans, gumboots and leashes. We didn’t walk into a classroom or a conservation facility. We walked into a place filled with longing eyes, wagging tails, and silent stories, at the Oudtshoorn Diereherberg, our local dog shelter nestled on the outskirts of town.

At the heart of our facility, where conservation meets education and Karoo dust meets determined hands, a new seed has taken root — and his name is Tsepiso Marenene.

In a quiet corner of our facility, something tiny, tawny, and utterly magical has been making hearts melt – and we’re thrilled to officially share the news. Our team recently conducted a gentle gender reveal for the newest member of our Blue Duiker family, and after careful observation (and a little patience), we’re happy to report that our dainty antelope calf is female! We’ve named her Holly, after the Cape Holly trees...