OUDTSHOORN NEWS - Births, rescues and rehabilitation efforts have brought renewed life and purpose to the Cango Wildlife Ranch this festive season, with a recent baby boom serving as a heartwarming reminder that the true spirit of the holidays lies in new beginnings.
Cheetah cubs and a vital global bloodline
The most significant arrival came on 18 November, when Uzuri, a six-year-old cheetah, gave birth to three healthy cubs.
This birth holds special importance for global cheetah conservation, as Uzuri's bloodline forms part of carefully managed international breeding programmes designed to protect genetic diversity in a species facing continued decline.
The cubs have been named Afrika, Aston and Amandla, and their individual personalities are already beginning to shine through.
Afrika, a female cub, is the most outspoken of the trio. Busy, curious and full of confidence, she has earned a reputation as a sassy little character who always seems to swim upstream.
Aston, also female, is the gentle heart of the group; soft-natured, affectionate and a true sweetheart. Her name, meaning awe-inspiring and remarkable, reflects the quiet strength and grace that female cheetahs bring to the future of the species.
Amandla, the only male cub, is already known as the big softy; relaxed, calm and content to go with the flow. His name, drawn from the isiZulu and isiXhosa word for strength, power, resilience and inner strength rooted in African heritage.
Rainbow lorikeet hatchlings
In the aviaries, two Rainbow Lorikeet chicks recently hatched and are still safely tucked away in their nest box. At this early stage, their world remains intentionally small and centred around their parents.
Keepers remain deliberately hands-off, with only occasional checks. Too much disturbance can cause the parent birds to abandon a nest.
A busy owl season
Owl season arrived slightly later than usual this year, with four young owls, three spotted eagle owls and one barn owl brought into care during October and November. Aged between three and four weeks, they were found grounded across Greater Oudtshoorn and rescued by members of the public.
All four have responded well to rehabilitation. The spotted eagle owls were housed together to build strength and confidence, while the underweight barn owl quickly regained condition and began feeding independently.
The owls have since been moved to the private reserve for flight conditioning ahead of their eventual release.
One of the smallest patients ever
One of the most delicate rescues this season was a Cape serotine bat brought in on 1 December, after being carried into a home by a cat. Even minor cat-inflicted wounds can be fatal, making swift intervention essential.
Weighing just one gram on arrival, the bat was extremely weak and placed on intensive care, including regular feeds of specialised bat formula. He has since made remarkable progress, now weighing eight grams, feeding independently and preparing for flight training.
He will be transferred to a facility with larger flight spaces when ready.
New life in the refreshed Farmyard
The season of new beginnings is rounded off with cheerful additions to the ranch's refreshed Farmyard.
Six young Silkie chickens have joined the space and will soon share an exhibit with six Netherland dwarf rabbits, alongside sheep Sage and Rosemary.
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