Every Job Is a Conservation Job

The conference brought together leading professionals from across the global zoo and aquarium community to exchange knowledge, explore new approaches to education and strengthen international collaboration. For Cango Academy, it provided an invaluable opportunity to introduce a training model that challenges traditional perceptions of conservation education.

Every Job Has a Role in Conservation

On 13 October, I had the privilege of presenting Every Job Is a Conservation Job: Green Skilling the Global Workforce, highlighting Cango Academy's belief that conservation education should extend beyond animal caregivers and wildlife professionals.

Every department within a conservation facility contributes to its environmental footprint. From maintenance teams and electricians to hospitality staff, administrators and financial managers, each role presents an opportunity to incorporate sustainable practices and conservation awareness into everyday operations.

This philosophy forms the foundation of Cango Academy's innovative facility-as-curriculum approach, where students gain practical, supervised experience within a fully operational conservation facility.

Built around the principles of Conserve, Care and Connect, the model combines animal welfare and conservation education with organisational knowledge, vocational training and community development.

Through our partnership with Africa Skills, learners gain practical experience across specialised working environments while developing valuable professional skills and an understanding of conservation responsibilities.

At its heart lies a simple belief: there is no such thing as unskilled labour, only unrecognised skills and opportunities for development.

An Encouraging International Response

Having officially launched our Oudtshoorn campus in September 2026, Cango Academy is still in its early stages. Our programmes currently span five industries: conservation, tourism, hospitality, agriculture and technology.

We also provide work-integrated learning opportunities for students from Nelson Mandela University and NewBridge Graduate Institute, allowing them to gain experience across various departments at Cango Wildlife.

Presenting this model to an international audience of experienced conservation educators was an important milestone.

The response was overwhelmingly encouraging, with several international facilities expressing interest in adapting the Academy's approach to their own operations. Discussions continued well beyond the presentation, opening doors to potential future collaborations and knowledge-sharing opportunities.

These conversations reinforced our belief that conservation facilities can play a far greater role in developing skilled, environmentally conscious workforces.

Learning from Global Leaders

Throughout the conference, delegates heard from internationally recognised organisations, including the Zoological Society of London, Chester Zoo, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Copenhagen Zoo and Singapore's Mandai Wildlife Group.

Presentations explored everything from community-based conservation and environmental education to vocational development and inclusive career pathways.

A particularly encouraging theme was the growing recognition that meaningful conservation extends beyond protecting wildlife. It also involves empowering communities, developing practical skills and creating opportunities for people to contribute to a more sustainable future.

These discussions closely aligned with the vision behind Cango Academy and provided valuable insights that will help guide our continued development.

Looking Ahead to WAZA 2027

The conference also marked an exciting lead-up to another significant international event for South African conservation.

From 17 to 21 October 2027, Cape Town will host the 82nd World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) Annual Conference, marking the organisation's return to Africa after 28 years.

Cango Wildlife and Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo will serve as lead hosts, alongside the Two Oceans Aquarium, uShaka Sea World and SANBI's National Zoological Garden.

This historic event will bring global conservation leaders to South Africa and provide another opportunity to showcase the country's contributions to animal welfare, conservation and education.

For Cango Academy, the timing is particularly exciting. With plans to launch our online academy in early 2027, we are preparing to extend our educational reach beyond Oudtshoorn and make our training programmes accessible to a much wider audience.

Building a Future Through Education

Returning from IZE 2026, we bring home valuable international connections, fresh perspectives and renewed confidence in the direction of Cango Academy.

Our next steps include strengthening relationships with international facilities interested in implementing similar vocational training models, expanding our educational programmes and continuing to demonstrate how conservation and skills development can work hand in hand.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) for sponsoring my attendance, as well as to Dr Judy Mann-Lang, Helen Lockhart, the Two Oceans Aquarium team and the IZE Local Organising Committee for hosting an exceptional international conference.

As Cango Academy continues to grow, our mission remains clear: to create meaningful learning opportunities, develop practical skills and demonstrate that every profession has a role to play in conservation.