A Cheetah, a Birthday and a Beautiful "YES"

Posted on Thu November 27, 2025.

Jade and Levinia met in the most unexpected way. Both attended the same church - he played the organ, and she was trying to leave early, and found her car blocked in by his. While he played, she waited. When she finally drove off, neither imagined that moment would change their lives.

Later that day, Jade apologised over Facebook. Levinia ignored him for two days before replying. Messages turned into long conversations. They exchanged numbers and learned more about each other. He lived in Oudtshoorn. She lived in George. Every Sunday afternoon, he made the drive to see her. Their bond grew stronger with every visit. This year, on her birthday, Jade decided it was time.

Their plan for the day was simple. An Ambassador Animal Connection with one of the cheetahs. A birthday surprise for Levinia. What she didn’t know was that Jade had already contacted the team.

Behind the scenes, preparations began quickly.
Jowellen from the Animal Care team phoned the Marketing Manager with the news that Jade planned to propose inside the cheetah enclosure. There were only minutes to prepare. The goal was clear. Capture the moment without giving anything away.

The team moved fast.
Jesseca, one of the animal caregivers, was handed a camera and told the cover story that new high-quality photos were needed for branding updates. Staff positioned themselves naturally. The Marketing Manager stood on the bridge making radio calls about “tracking connections” to maintain the illusion of a normal workday. Guests stayed unaware. Jade stayed calm. Levinia suspected nothing.

Inside the cheetah camp, the moment unfolded.
With Jesseca ready as the “photographer”, Jade went down on one knee. Levinia’s smile said everything. Her hands shook. She said yes. The cheetah rested quietly beside them, with warm sun on his coat, and shared a soft chesty rumble. It was calm, natural and filled with emotion. A birthday she would never forget. A proposal Jade had planned with care. A moment the team felt privileged to witness.

 

Moments like these show why Cango Wildlife is more than a place to visit. It is a place where stories begin. A place where people fall in love with nature, with conservation and sometimes, with each other.

Congratulations to Jade and Levinia.
Thank you for letting Cango Wildlife and our team be part of such a special chapter in your story.

 

Further Reading

A Bold New Chapter: Introducing BOA | Because Of Animals Foundation Thu May 28, 2026

For many years, the Cheetah Preservation Foundation has stood as a symbol of passion, dedication, and hope for the future of wildlife conservation. Through rescue efforts, education, conservation initiatives, and unwavering compassion, the foundation has touched countless lives, both human and animal, while helping create a future where people and wildlife can thrive together.

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Lilo Gets a Stitch | Understanding Glaucoma in Wildlife Thu May 28, 2026

Recently, one of our much-loved brown lemurs, Lilo, underwent an important veterinary procedure after developing a condition known as glaucoma. Glaucoma occurs when pressure builds up inside the eye due to fluid not draining properly. Over time, this pressure can damage the eye itself as well as the optic nerve - the part responsible for sending visual information to the brain. In both humans and animals, glaucoma can become extremely painful if...

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Rising After the Floods - A Message from the Heart of Cango Thu May 28, 2026

When the floods came, they came without mercy. What started as rain quickly turned into something the region was simply not prepared for. Water tore through the Klein Karoo with a force that felt impossible to stop. Roads disappeared overnight. Bridges collapsed, pathways and homes were swallowed by mud and raging water. Places filled with memories, hard work, and years of dedication were left broken in a matter of hours. There were...

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