Celebrating Growth

Posted on Wed August 27, 2025.

This year has been filled with exciting changes at Cango Wildlife Ranch. We have welcomed new team members, celebrated well-deserved promotions, and seen students and casual workers step into permanent positions. Each story reflects dedication, growth, and a deep passion for wildlife and conservation. Our Ranch family has grown stronger than ever.

We are proud to celebrate the following staff members who have taken on new titles and responsibilities in 2025:

Students and Casual Workers Promoted to Permanent Positions

 

  • Montay Arries – Maintenance Assistant (10 March) 
  • Hermanus Ekstraal– Animal Assistant (10 March) *unavailable for a photo
  • Lesley Ann Jelander– Animal Assistant (01 May) 
  • Pippa Fourie – Animal Caregiver (01 June) 
  • Jackie Coltman – Kitchen Assistant (04 June) 
  • Yulan Kuyler – Wildlife Guardian (01 August)
  • Jennifer Barnard – General Cleaner (07 August) 
  • Jonathan Menzies – Wildlife Guardian (15 August)

Staff Promotions 

  • Dedré Rupping – Zoological Manager (01 May) 
  • Navin Winster – Head Wildlife Guardian (01 May)
  • Garrett Eriksen – Academic Programme Coordinator (01 May)
  • Pieter Hall – WAV Manager (01 July)
  • Jacques Coetzee – Assistant Maintenance Manager (28 July)
  • Zizipho Mey – Maintenance Admin Assistant (01 September)
  • Allan Plaatjies – Team Lead Maintenance (01 September) 

New Employees

  • Arno Engelbrecht – Feed Coordinator (09 March) 
  • Mandla Diamond– Maintenance Supervisor (05 May) 
  • Tsepiso Marenene – Assistant Curator of Sustainability (01 September) 
  • Vivian Hendricks – Team Lead Maintenance (01 September) 
  • Lu-Shane Uithaler – Team Lead Maintenance (01 September) 

Each of these individuals plays a vital role in the daily care of our animals, the smooth running of our operations, and the continued success of our conservation and education efforts. Their growth reflects the values we hold dear; dedication, passion, and commitment to making a difference.

To our newly promoted and newly appointed team members, congratulations. We are proud of your achievements and excited to see all that you will accomplish in your new roles.

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...

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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.

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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.

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