Aston and Afrika Begin Their Next Chapter

Following discussions between Cango Wildlife and Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre near Plettenberg Bay, the two young cheetahs were identified as ideal ambassadors to join Tenikwa's conservation education programme.

According to Narinda Beukes, Chief Conservation Officer at Cango Wildlife, Tenikwa approached Cango Wildlife to enquire about welcoming cheetahs to their facility as part of its educational offering.

"Tenikwa does wonderful work in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation education," explained Beukes. "Following careful consideration, Aston and Afrika were identified as the most suitable individuals for this opportunity. They will become ambassadors for their species while helping Tenikwa continue the important conservation education work they do."

At Tenikwa, Aston and Afrika will become part of the centre's educational programmes, helping visitors develop a greater understanding of cheetahs and the conservation challenges facing Africa's fastest land mammal. Through meaningful educational experiences, guests are able to connect with the species while learning about the importance of protecting wild cheetah populations and their habitats. Revenue generated through these experiences directly supports Tenikwa's wildlife rehabilitation and conservation initiatives.

For Cango Wildlife, the move reflects an important principle within responsible wildlife management.

Every ethical conservation organisation contributes differently. Some specialise in wildlife rehabilitation, others focus on conservation breeding, education, research, or species management. By working together and placing animals where they can make the greatest contribution to conservation education, organisations are able to strengthen their collective conservation impact.

"This is how responsible conservation organisations work together," said Beukes. "Every facility has different strengths and areas of focus, but together we share the same goal of protecting wildlife through education, collaboration, and conservation."

The Tenikwa team also expressed their excitement about welcoming the two young cheetahs.

"We are incredibly excited to be at Cango Wildlife to collect these two female cheetahs," said Keri McMorran, Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre. "They are going to become wonderful ambassadors for their species at Tenikwa, helping us continue sharing the conservation story of cheetahs with our visitors."

Although Aston and Afrika will certainly be missed by the Cango Wildlife team who have cared for them since they were cubs, their relocation represents another meaningful contribution to conservation. As ambassador animals, they will help inspire thousands of visitors each year to develop a greater appreciation for one of Africa's most iconic predators and the conservation challenges the species faces in the wild.

Their journey is a reminder that conservation extends far beyond the boundaries of any one facility. Through collaboration, shared knowledge, and a common purpose, organisations such as Cango Wildlife and Tenikwa can work together to educate, inspire, and encourage future generations to value and protect wildlife.

Cango Wildlife wishes Aston and Afrika every success in their new home and looks forward to the positive impact they will continue to make as ambassadors for cheetah conservation.

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