A Year of Discovery: Student Perspectives from Cango Wildlife Ranch

She quickly felt welcomed into a supportive environment: "The first time I stepped through the gates, I was welcomed by a team of passionate individuals who cared about each other and animals. They are more than just employees; they are a family."

Among her most valued experiences was working in the animal kitchen (where we prep meals for all animals under our care) wherein she developed critical skills such as teamwork, planning, cleanliness, and time management. Additionally, participating in enrichment projects was particularly meaningful for her: "Watching the birds interact with something I created reminded me that even small acts play a significant role in animal care." Asandiswa reflects on her time at Cango as deeply educational, helping her grow personally and professionally.

Emihle Zuzo (23) and Lindokuhle Lalendle (23), also from NMU, appreciate the practical translation of theoretical knowledge into real-world skills. "As students who have only known the theory side of conservation, it has been interesting to be practically involved," they stated. For this group of students, creating enrichment activities with recycled materials also emphasised the importance of animal well-being and environmental responsibility, teaching them more creative approaches to animal welfare.

The students gained substantial insights into animal diets, nutritional needs, and the methods used at the ranch for animal training and human-animal interactions. They acknowledged both the challenges and rewards of maintaining animal enclosures, emphasising the importance of cleanliness and proper care using approved products and techniques.

Yet, their journey hasn't been without challenges, particularly in communication within a diverse team. "Being here is hard but also fun because we’re dealing with many people from different backgrounds, speaking totally different languages, which made communication tricky but rewarding," they admitted.

AJ du Plessis (21), our student from NGI, highlights the transformative nature of his experience: "Nothing could truly prepare me for the depth of connection, learning, and personal growth that awaited me."

AJ valued the strong community spirit and hands-on learning: "Whether working with animal department, cheetahland, or maintenance staff, everyone was friendly, approachable, and willing to share their knowledge." He was impressed by the professionalism and kindness of staff and particularly valued the opportunity for direct animal care. "Working with cheetahs, servals, caracals, lemurs, marabou storks, and more was truly a dream come true," AJ says, emphasising the importance of enrichment for animal welfare.

Accommodation and the communal experience were also positive factors, fostering lasting friendships and a sense of belonging. Reflecting on his journey, AJ notes, "Beyond daily routines, being part of the greater mission of Cango Wildlife Ranch gave me a sense of purpose. It’s a hub for education, conservation, and awareness."

The experiences of our first Cango Academy cohort reinforces our dedication to practical, meaningful conservation education. As we continue to grow this initiative, we remain grateful for the enthusiasm and fresh perspectives our students bring and encourage our readers and visitors to keep an eye out and involve themselves in future projects by our growing academy. Watch this space!