Investing In The People Who Care

At Cango Wildlife, we believe conservation never stands still, and neither should the people entrusted with caring for the animals that inspire millions of visitors each year.

Joining SAAKA is more than a membership. It is a commitment to professional excellence.

It creates opportunities for our team to connect with fellow animal keepers across South Africa, participate in workshops and conferences, share knowledge, stay up to date with the latest developments in animal welfare and husbandry, and continue raising the standards of care for every species entrusted to us.

To celebrate this exciting milestone, we asked several members of our animal care team to reflect on what inspired them to pursue careers in wildlife conservation.

Their answers were wonderfully different, yet remarkably similar.

For some, the journey began in childhood.

Curator Riëtte Koortzen recalls always knowing she wanted to work with wildlife, inspired by countless family visits to the Kruger National Park. That passion eventually led her to study conservation ecology before joining Cango Wildlife, where she now oversees the care of some of our most iconic carnivore species.

For others, the path wasn't always so obvious.

Assistant Curator Heinz Guder never imagined a career working with wildlife until taking a holiday job at Cango Wildlife as a student. That experience sparked a lifelong passion, and today his expertise spans everything from reptiles and birds to primates and aquatic species.

Animal Caregiver Jesséca Minnie grew up visiting Cango Wildlife and dreamed of one day working with the animals she admired as a child. Years later, she now works with a diverse range of species, including cheetahs, caracals, lemurs and meerkats, describing the relationships she has built with the animals as one of the most rewarding parts of her career.

For Pippa Fourie, whose special bond with Patricia the porcupine has captured the hearts of many visitors, the inspiration came from a lifetime spent surrounded by animals. Supported by volunteer experience and studies in Animal Behavioural Science, she continues to combine knowledge with compassion every day she steps into a habitat.

Animal Caregiver Robyn van Reenen found her passion through an early fascination with insects and reptiles. Years spent observing arthropods and researching different species eventually led her into wildlife conservation, where careful observation remains one of the most valuable skills he brings to the team.

When asked what skill people often overlook in their profession, their responses painted a fascinating picture.

Patience.

Observation.

Adaptability.

Understanding behaviour.

A willingness to get dirty.

Even, as Heinz jokingly put it, "a strong stomach."

While visitors often see the rewarding moments, feeding animals, training sessions or unforgettable encounters, the reality of animal care demands far more than a love for wildlife.

It requires understanding individual personalities, recognising the smallest behavioural changes, making informed welfare decisions, working as part of a multidisciplinary team and remembering, as Robyn wisely noted, that "a wild animal remains a wild animal."

These are skills that are refined over years of experience, strengthened through continuous learning and shared between professionals who are passionate about giving animals the very best care possible.

That is precisely what SAAKA represents.

It is a community of dedicated animal care professionals united by a common goal: improving the welfare of animals through education, collaboration and excellence.

By joining SAAKA, our team is not simply adding another qualification to their professional journey.

They are strengthening a culture of lifelong learning that ultimately benefits every animal in our care.

As conservation continues to evolve, so too must the people who dedicate their lives to it.

We are incredibly proud of our Animal Care Team for embracing this opportunity and for their ongoing commitment to providing world-class care every single day.

Because when we invest in the people behind the care, we invest in the future of wildlife itself.