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

Stories From Our Veterinary Team Thu April 30, 2026

World Veterinary Day may have passed, but the work it recognises continues every single day at Cango Wildlife. Veterinary care sits quietly at the centre of everything, supporting each animal, guiding every decision, and ensuring that those in our care receive the attention they deserve. It is not always visible to visitors, but it is always present. This year, we took a moment to reflect on the people behind that care. Dr...

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For Every Kind Of Mother Thu April 30, 2026

Mother’s Day is often marked with flowers, gifts, and quiet moments of appreciation. This year at Cango Wildlife, it becomes something more. A two day celebration, on 09 and 10 May, dedicated not only to human mothers, but to every form of motherhood we are privileged to witness. Because care is not limited to one species. Across the facility, motherhood takes many shapes. It is seen in the quiet watchfulness of a...

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A Community That Shows Up Thu April 30, 2026

In Oudtshoorn, wildlife is part of daily life. And when that life crosses into homes, schools, or businesses, there is often one person people call first - Mornay Thysse. For years, Mornay has been the steady hand in moments of panic. Safely removing and relocating snakes, protecting both people and wildlife with calm, skill, and respect for the animals he works with. His role is not always easy. It is often urgent,...

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