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

Relay. Rally. Cango. Fri October 31, 2025

This year marked a proud milestone for Cango Wildlife as we took on the role of headline sponsor for the Klein Karoo Business Relay for the first time. On 16 October, Baron van Reede Street came alive as businesses, families, schools and supporters gathered to celebrate fitness, teamwork and community spirit in the heart of Oudtshoorn.

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Wild, Wicked & Full of Wonder Fri October 31, 2025

October at Cango Wildlife and the Wild Animal Volunteer programme brought a spirited twist to conservation, as staff, volunteers, and our Ambassador Animals joined in a playful celebration of Halloween. From hand-painted enrichment bags to paper-bag mask antics in the veld, this year’s festivities blended fun with purpose, showcasing the creativity and heart behind our animal-care and volunteer teams.

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Cango At The Global Table Fri October 31, 2025

Douglas Eriksen, Chief Executive Officer of Cango Wildlife, represented South Africa at the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) 80th Annual Conference in Cali, Colombia, held in celebration of WAZA’s 90th anniversary. The global event brought together nearly 200 zoos, aquariums, NGOs and biodiversity partners from across the world to advance collaboration in conservation, operational excellence and environmental protection.

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