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...
Step Into Our New Chapter

Cango Wildlife has spent the past three months working quietly but tirelessly behind the scenes. The goal is simple: refresh key spaces for the upcoming season and prepare for our 40th anniversary in 2026. Step by step, the facility is transforming, and visitors will notice these changes from the moment they arrive.

Visitors will notice the transformation the moment they arrive. The journey now begins at The Jaws, our iconic entrance, which has been refreshed with new lighting and a clean, modern finish. It feels brighter and more welcoming, setting the tone for what follows. From here, guests walk down the pathway to the waiting area, where our Wildlife Guardians introduce the guided experience. This space has also been refined, creating a smoother and more polished start to every tour.
Walking into the Valley of Ancients, guests will see some of the most significant upgrades. Our Crocodile Cage Dive has been fitted with new sliders, thoroughly cleaned and framed with new latte that replaces the old cargo netting. Nearby, the Jumping Jaws pond has been drained and cleaned, the jetty repaired, and sections rebuilt with latte to improve both safety and visual appeal. Visitors may still see a few final touches underway in this zone as we complete the last round of refinements.
The pathway then leads guests to a refreshed dining experience. Monsoon Restaurant has evolved into Boa Café, a warm, inviting space with exposed thatch, soft lighting and a modern layout that reflects our new identity. Inside, Boa Coffee offers a dedicated station for on-the-go coffees, perfect for guests exploring the facility.
Just outside, families will find the completely redesigned KidZone. All play elements have been moved into one central area, allowing parents to enjoy a meal on the café deck while watching their children explore the sandpit, rock-climbing wall, tiny-tots jungle gym, jumping castle and swings.
The former Farmyard now forms part of this unified space, while the Farmyard animals - Sage, Rosemary, the chickens and the rabbits, have moved next door to a lively new environment linked by a hidden under-deck walkway. The agouti habitat has also been upgraded to match the new surroundings.
Further along the route, guests will notice that Dwayne the Rock Monitor's habitat has been transformed with a bold leafy-green finish that draws attention to him instantly.
The colour gives his space a strong, natural presence and provides a striking moment along the walkway.

One of the most anticipated additions appears shortly after: our new Squirrel Monkey habitat. Designed around the story of a forgotten Mayan-style ruin reclaimed by nature, the space blends stone textures, lush vegetation and an adventurous layout that suits the troop perfectly. Although some final detailing is still underway, the habitat is already a standout feature. 
Next to it, the Snake Park has received significant attention. The enclosures are refreshed with upgraded habitats to enhance animal welfare while offering visitors a visually striking experience.

The tour route ends in Cheetahland, where the foyer has been completely transformed. Drywall was removed to reveal the original sandstone walls, and soft LED lighting now warms the space. Fresh paint and subtle details complete the upgrade, giving the area a natural, inviting atmosphere. Leopard Lookout, where tours conclude, has also been refreshed into a comfortable final stop for guests.
Our curio shop has been updated with new items, and soon the balcony will feature a large world map that ties the entire space together. While some final touches are still in progress, all upgrades will be completed before 15 December. This season marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Cango Wildlife, and we cannot wait to welcome our visitors this festive season to experience every detail firsthand.
We look forward to sharing the magic of these new spaces with you.
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.




































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