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

From 1 Gram To The Night Sky Thu February 26, 2026

In early December, a male bat weighing just 1 gram arrived at Cango Wildlife after being attacked by a cat and brought in by a concerned member of the public. At that weight, he fit easily into the palm of a hand. Fragile. Silent. Fighting for survival long before he reached our care. Whenever wildlife has contact with a cat, immediate veterinary care is essential. Cat saliva carries bacteria that can be...

Read This Article
When Conservation Meets Celebration Thu February 26, 2026

On the first of February, Monique and Rouan Engelbrecht chose to celebrate one of life’s most meaningful milestones in a way that reflected their values. They hosted a conservation conscious gender reveal at Cango Wildlife.

Read This Article
Rooted In Restoration Thu February 26, 2026

At Cango Wildlife, conservation isn’t something we only talk about; it’s something we’re constantly trying to refine, improve, and live out in practical ways. That includes looking inward: examining how we manage our own environmental footprint, how we treat and restore the land we steward, and how we align our practices with the bigger global sustainability framework - from South Africa’s climate goals to the guiding principles of UN-aligned sustainability and the...

Read This Article