POLOKWANE – Jabez Christian Academy’s drummies team, led by Dr Elana Erasmus, visited Cango Wildlife Ranch as the park appeals for public support after recent floods caused extensive damage to its facilities.

The 40-year-old conservation centre in the Western Cape works to repair habitats and continue care for more than 90 animal species.

Anneke Lategan from Cango Wildlife explained the floods severely affected sections of the park, including animal habitats, infrastructure, pathways and operational areas.

Staff, volunteers and community members worked through the emergency to ensure that every animal and staff member remained safe.

“Cango Wildlife has been operating for 40 years and is home to over 90 species of animals, including big cats, reptiles, birds, primates, pygmy hippos, crocodiles, tortoises, and many other ambassador species,” Lategan said.

Beyond tourism, its work focuses on conservation, education, animal care, rescue support and connecting people with wildlife.

The team also used articles and social media to call on schools, businesses and residents in their city to contribute.

This is how Jabez got involved and contributed an amount of R10 000 towards the park.

She explained the donations will go towards rebuilding, habitat repairs, animal feed, veterinary care and recovery efforts are making a “tremendous difference.”

“Sharing the story helps raise awareness of the role conservation facilities play.”

Founded in 1977 as South Africa’s first crocodile show farm, the site was purchased in 1986 by Andrew and Glenn Eriksen. What began as a crocodile breeding facility has since expanded to include endangered species, with an early focus on cheetah conservation.

“The work done at the ranch by our dedicated staff takes on a whole new meaning when you realise that the people involved in saving animals and educating the general public, will never see the result of their work in their lifetime.

Nevertheless, we will keep on doing our best to ensure that extinction becomes just another word in the dictionary and not a reality.”

Today, Cango Wildlife Ranch houses big cats and a large crocodilian population across sections including Valley of Ancients, Snake Park, Lemur Falls, Amazonia Rainforest and Cheetahland.

The facility cares for birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, lemurs, tortoises and turtles.

“We believe in conservation and we know that extinction is forever. Running the race against extinction is not an easy one,” the ranch said.

For more detailed information on the flood and circumstances, and for access to the donation link, please click here or for more information about Cango Wildlife Ranch, visit their website.