A Season of New Beginnings

The most significant arrival came on 18 November, when Uzuri, a six-year-old cheetah, gave birth to three healthy cubs. This birth holds special importance for global cheetah conservation, as Uzuri’s bloodline forms part of carefully managed international breeding programmes designed to protect genetic diversity in a species facing ongoing decline.

The cubs, named Afrika, Aston and Amandla, are still very young, but their individual personalities are already emerging. Afrika, a female cub, is the most outspoken of the trio. Curious, confident and full of energy, she has quickly become known for her bold nature. Her name honours the continent that shaped the cheetah and reflects resilience and strength. Aston, also female, is the gentle heart of the group. Soft-natured and affectionate, she brings a calm presence, her name meaning awe inspiring and remarkable. Amandla, the only male cub, is the quiet soul of the trio. Relaxed and content, he is often found sleeping while his sisters explore. His name, drawn from isiZulu and isiXhosa, speaks to strength, power and resilience rooted in African heritage.

Together, these cubs represent far more than a heartwarming milestone. They are a meaningful contribution to the long-term survival of one of Africa’s most iconic species.

In the aviaries, two Rainbow Lorikeet chicks recently hatched and remain safely tucked away in their nest box. At this early stage, their world is intentionally small and centered around their parents, who continue to feed and raise them attentively. Keepers remain deliberately hands off, conducting only essential checks to ensure healthy development. Disturbance at this stage can lead to nest abandonment, making patience and restraint critical. For now, these hatchlings remain out of sight, growing stronger each day.

Owl season arrived slightly later than usual this year, bringing four young owls into care. Two arrived in October and two in November, including three Spotted Eagle Owls and one Barn Owl. All four were between three and four weeks old and were found grounded in various parts of Greater Oudtshoorn. Still too young to fly or survive independently, they were rescued by members of the public and brought to the Facility for rehabilitation.

The owlets responded well to care. The three Spotted Eagle Owls were housed together to build strength and confidence, while the Barn Owl, who arrived underweight, quickly regained condition and began feeding independently. All four have since been moved to our private reserve, where they will undergo flight conditioning in preparation for release once eligible.

Among the most delicate rescues this season was a Cape Serotine bat brought in on 1 December after being carried into a home by a cat. Even the smallest puncture wound from a cat can be fatal due to bacteria, making immediate intervention essential. The bat weighed just one gram on arrival and was extremely weak. Care began with rehydration, followed by specialised bat milk formula fed every two hours, day and night. Kept warm and closely monitored, the bat gained strength rapidly.

Now weighing eight grams, he feeds every four to five hours and has begun eating small amounts of mealworm gut. In the coming weeks, he will begin practicing flight. Arrangements are underway with CapeNature and partner rehabilitation facilities to ensure he can move to a centre with larger flight areas when ready. Until then, he remains safely in our care.

Rounding off this season of new beginnings are cheerful additions to the refreshed Farmyard area. Six young Silkie chickens have arrived and are already a delight to watch as they learn to dig and forage in their new home. They will soon share a mixed exhibit with six Netherland Dwarf Rabbits, whose gentle presence adds warmth and charm to the space. These animals can be seen alongside our sheep, Sage and Rosemary, in the enclosure near the newly opened Boa Cafe.

Boa Cafe, recognised by its striking snake artwork, carries a deeper meaning. The name stands for “because of animals”, a simple phrase that reflects the heart of everything we do. Every rescue, every birth and every second chance exists because of animals and the responsibility we carry to care for them.

As families reflect on the festive season, the arrivals across the Facility serve as a reminder that conservation is built on patience, care and hope. From globally significant cheetah cubs to tiny bats, owlets, hatchlings, chicks and rabbits, the past month has been a celebration of life and the quiet but powerful impact of conservation in action.

On behalf of our team and the animals in our care, we wish you a peaceful holiday season and a hopeful start to the year ahead, inspired by the new lives that continue to shape our work every day.

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