When Words Matter Most

Posted on Fri June 26, 2026.

In the weeks following the devastating floods that impacted Cango Wildlife and the Greater Oudtshoorn community, support arrived in many forms. Volunteers rolled up their sleeves. Businesses donated supplies. Friends offered encouragement.

Then came an unexpected message from South African motivational poet and storyteller, Fanie Walkenshaw better known as Left Sleeve.

Having followed the impact of the floods, Left Sleeve reached out to Cango Wildlife with a simple but heartfelt offer. He wanted to visit the facility and spend time with the staff, offering encouragement to a team that had endured weeks of uncertainty, recovery, and relentless hard work.

Recently, that promise became a reality.

Staff from across our organisation gathered to hear Left Sleeve share his unique blend of motivational poetry, storytelling, humour, and life lessons. His presence encouraged reflection, inspired hope, and reminded everyone that resilience is often found in the smallest acts of perseverance and in the strength of community.

For many staff members, it was a welcome opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect after one of the most challenging periods in our forty-year history. The session was filled with laughter, thoughtful moments, and renewed optimism, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.

Following his talk, Left Sleeve experienced another side of Cango Wildlife through a guided tour of the facility. He met Herbert, the resident Pygmy Hippo, learned more about our organisation's conservation and education work, gaining a deeper appreciation for the people and animals that make our facility so unique.

The visit represented far more than a single motivational talk.

It marked the beginning of an exciting long-term collaboration between Left Sleeve and Cango Wildlife. Over the coming months and years, he will work alongside the organisation on a variety of campaigns, events, and initiatives aimed at inspiring people, supporting communities, and sharing the important message that conservation is ultimately about caring for both wildlife and people.

His willingness to reach out during a difficult chapter, without being asked, speaks volumes about the kind of person he is. At a time when morale was tested and recovery remained ongoing, his visit reminded the team that kindness, encouragement, and human connection can be just as powerful as practical support.

Sometimes the greatest difference is not made through grand gestures, but through showing up when it matters most.

Further Reading

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