Buckets, Mud and a Marabou Stork

Posted on Thu September 25, 2025.

Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time for a little extra sparkle around the ranch! Recently, our Wild Animal Volunteers rolled up their sleeves to give the enclosure of Malcolm, our Marabou Stork, and our two Cape Vultures a much-needed spring clean.

It’s no easy task - scrubbing, hauling, and lifting buckets of water under the watchful eyes of three very large and impressive birds. But our volunteers took it all in stride, managing to balance hard work with plenty of laughs along the way. Between joking about mud fights and tackling stubborn patches of dirt, they turned the grueling (albeit smelly) chore into a memorable team effort.

For our volunteers, moments like these go beyond cleaning. They’re about working together, building bonds, and creating a safe, comfortable environment for the animals they dedicate their time to. For Malcolm and the vultures, it means a fresh, healthy space to enjoy.

It’s a reminder that behind every clean enclosure and happy animal is a team of dedicated people willing to put in the effort - and still find a way to smile while doing it.

Further Reading

Celebrating Heritage Day Thu September 25, 2025

Heritage Day, celebrated annually on 24 September in South Africa, is a public holiday dedicated to honoring our nation’s diverse cultures, traditions, and shared history. It encourages South Africans to reflect on their roots and celebrate what makes the country unique. Over time, it has also become popularly known as “Braai Day,” with the braai (barbecue) seen as a unifying tradition across all communities. While people may have distinct ways of preparing...

Read This Article
Queen Of The Canopy Thu September 25, 2025

If you’ve ever been on a guided tour with one of our Wildlife Guardians, chances are you’ve spotted Nanji from our Catwalk. More often than not, she’ll be up in her favorite tree, her golden coat glowing in the dappled sunlight, paws dangling as she rests with the confidence of a true queen.

Read This Article
A Rare Experience Thu September 25, 2025

Our Wild Animal Volunteers and interns recently had the unique opportunity to be part of an important wildlife management procedure - the darting and relocation of Cape Buffalo. While they did not witness the actual darting itself, they were welcomed into the process shortly afterwards, gaining hands-on insight into a vital aspect of animal care and conservation.

Read This Article