Continuous learning and professional development play an important role in maintaining high standards of animal care and welfare. From 7 to 10 September 2026, I had the privilege of attending a four-day Animal Husbandry Workshop hosted at Lory Park Animal and Owl Sanctuary and presented by Wild Welfare UK. The workshop was an incredibly valuable experience, offering the opportunity to expand my knowledge, exchange ideas with fellow animal care professionals and gain...
Cango Academy Gives Back

In celebration of Women’s Month, Cango Wildlife Ranch proudly supported an initiative that speaks to the heart of empowerment, dignity, and compassion. On 7 August, the team visited a local school to donate items to learners in need.
Many of these young women grew up in rural areas and knew firsthand the challenges of accessing sanitary pads, especially when travelling long distances to school or staying away from home for education or sport. They remembered how the lack of basic menstrual hygiene products often led to missed classes, discomfort, and embarrassment.
Understanding this struggle, they decided to make a difference for learners facing the same challenges today. What began as a discussion quickly grew into a purposeful initiative to collect essential hygiene items. The drive called for sanitary pads, face cloths, soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, with the aim of creating full care packages for distribution.
While the project began in honour of Women’s Month, the Academy felt strongly about supporting both girls and boys. The girls received the complete set of items, while the boys received everything except the sanitary products. This approach sent a clear message that dignity and care are not limited by gender.
Thanks to the generosity of staff, community members, and supporters, the Academy students were able to provide care packages to the entire matric class of a local school. The success of the drive went beyond expectations. With surplus donations still available, the Academy extended its reach and delivered the remaining items to a local shelter for women and girls.
This initiative was never about recognition or publicity. It was about respect, dignity, and making sure that no young person feels unseen or unsupported. By addressing the needs of both girls and boys, and by supporting the shelter, the students created a ripple of care that reached far beyond their original goal.
Cango Wildlife Ranch is incredibly proud of the Cango Academy students for their leadership, empathy, and commitment to uplifting others. Their work stands as a strong example of community spirit in action.
Here’s to empowering youth, one care package at a time.
Further Reading
The Cango Wildlife team traded their usual working environment for muddy trails and obstacles at the 2026 Dust 4 Glory Challenge. On 17 October 2026, Wilgewandel Holiday Farm in Oudtshoorn came alive with energy, determination and plenty of muddy smiles as participants gathered for the annual Klein Karoo Dust 4 Glory Obstacle Challenge.
As Cango Wildlife celebrates 40 years of conservation in 2026, we continue to introduce new ways for visitors, volunteers and interns to experience and connect with our facility. October marked two exciting milestones with the official launch of BOA Pods at Cango Wildlife and our new Circle Volunteer & Intern Community Hub.










Share This Post