With playful new life in Cubland and thoughtful new developments across the facility, Cango Wildlife Ranch and Conservation Centre continues to evolve, strengthening its role as both a conservation hub and a learning destination.
The team recently welcomed three new cubs to the family. Cango Wildlife cycle names in alphabetical order from A to Z, and kicking off once again with the letter A, the new cubs are Afrika, Amandla and Aston.
Die Hoorn was spoiled last Thursday by being one of the first to visit the new cubs and spend time with them. Much like kittens, the cubs were running, tumbling, play-fighting and even trying to aim for feet.
Although not yet three months old, the cubs already have distinct personalities.
Amandla, the only male cub, is more reserved than his sisters and prefers to observe from a distance while they play-fight. Aston is the affectionate one and enjoys having her back rubbed. Although she is not as playful, her sister will usually drag her into fighting or exploring.
Afrika is the rebel of the trio. When the Die Hoorn team arrived at Cubland, Afrika was already climbing the fence to get a better view. She’s lively and full of energy, making sure the trio never gets too relaxed.
The three cubs were born 18 November 2025 and form part of The Cheetah Preservation Foundation, which focuses on the survival of cheetahs and other endangered species, as well as educating visitors about the challenges facing these animals.
This commitment to conservation extends beyond the facility itself.
Cango Wildlife Ranch has also received international recognition over the weekend for its role in conservation innovation. During Davos Innovation Week at the World Economic Forum, Project ZOA, founded and presented by Cango Wildlife CEO Douglas Eriksen, received the Startup Innovation Award for Top AI Sustainability Project.
The initiative focuses on improving how artificial intelligence systems recognise and use reliable biodiversity and ecosystem data, ensuring that nature is better represented in decisions increasingly guided by technology. Cango Wildlife Ranch plays a key role in the project by contributing its conservation expertise and zoological infrastructure.
The facility has seen several upgrades and new additions over the past few months.
The Cheetahland foyer has undergone a facelift with the removal of the drywall and the dismantling of the glass kiosk.
This has revealed the sandstone previously hidden behind it, creating a more open and welcoming space for guests.
New additions include the BOA Café, located where the Monsoon Restaurant previously stood. While the name is inspired by the boa snake, BOA also stands for “Because of Animals”, a fitting name for the restaurant.
The BOA Café offers a family-friendly space, complemented by the updated KidZone and Farmyard, which provide an ideal area for younger visitors to play and explore.
The Saimiri Ruins, a new exhibit situated where the meerkats once were, introduces the playful squirrel monkeys that have already been part of the Cango Wildlife family for the past five years.
The exhibit was brought to life by local artist Hilton Jackson, who describes the space as art connecting with nature.
At the end of last year, the Explorium opened its doors. Tucked between the Valley of Ancients and the BOA Café, the mini cinema forms part of phase one of a journey to create an immersive experience. The next phase will focus on adding a micro museum. The Explorium complements the guided tours by offering visitors an inside look at the facility and its inhabitants.
Between curious cubs, new exhibits, family-friendly additions, and interactive experiences, there is no shortage of reasons to linger a little longer at Cango Wildlife Ranch. (MALISSA SPIES)
A fresh chapter unfolds at Cango Wildlife Ranch
Photo: Jowellen Tiemie