Celebrating Growth

Posted on Wed August 27, 2025.

This year has been filled with exciting changes at Cango Wildlife Ranch. We have welcomed new team members, celebrated well-deserved promotions, and seen students and casual workers step into permanent positions. Each story reflects dedication, growth, and a deep passion for wildlife and conservation. Our Ranch family has grown stronger than ever.

We are proud to celebrate the following staff members who have taken on new titles and responsibilities in 2025:

Students and Casual Workers Promoted to Permanent Positions

 

  • Montay Arries – Maintenance Assistant (10 March) 
  • Hermanus Ekstraal– Animal Assistant (10 March) *unavailable for a photo
  • Lesley Ann Jelander– Animal Assistant (01 May) 
  • Pippa Fourie – Animal Caregiver (01 June) 
  • Jackie Coltman – Kitchen Assistant (04 June) 
  • Yulan Kuyler – Wildlife Guardian (01 August)
  • Jennifer Barnard – General Cleaner (07 August) 
  • Jonathan Menzies – Wildlife Guardian (15 August)

Staff Promotions 

  • Dedré Rupping – Zoological Manager (01 May) 
  • Navin Winster – Head Wildlife Guardian (01 May)
  • Garrett Eriksen – Academic Programme Coordinator (01 May)
  • Pieter Hall – WAV Manager (01 July)
  • Jacques Coetzee – Assistant Maintenance Manager (28 July)
  • Zizipho Mey – Maintenance Admin Assistant (01 September)
  • Allan Plaatjies – Team Lead Maintenance (01 September) 

New Employees

  • Arno Engelbrecht – Feed Coordinator (09 March) 
  • Mandla Diamond– Maintenance Supervisor (05 May) 
  • Tsepiso Marenene – Assistant Curator of Sustainability (01 September) 
  • Vivian Hendricks – Team Lead Maintenance (01 September) 
  • Lu-Shane Uithaler – Team Lead Maintenance (01 September) 

Each of these individuals plays a vital role in the daily care of our animals, the smooth running of our operations, and the continued success of our conservation and education efforts. Their growth reflects the values we hold dear; dedication, passion, and commitment to making a difference.

To our newly promoted and newly appointed team members, congratulations. We are proud of your achievements and excited to see all that you will accomplish in your new roles.

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.

Read This Article
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...

Read This Article
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...

Read This Article