Update

OUDTSHOORN NEWS  - Andrew Eriksen, Managing Director of the Cango Wildlife Ranch passed away on the 24th of October after a prolonged and ongoing chronic illness.

According to Tammy Moult, Assistant Director: Tourism of the Cango Wildlife Ranch, he was a devoted, innovative, and loving man.

"Despite Mr Eriksen's unwavering determination, strength, and resilience, he was afflicted by chronic illness. His untimely passing leaves a gaping hole in the hearts of his beloved family, the Cango Wildlife Ranch team, the International Zoological community, and the many animals that he dedicated his life to."

Moult said that they request that the privacy of the immediate family be respected during this extremely difficult time.

"Instead of flowers, the family has requested that donations be gifted to the Cheetah Preservation Foundation (non-profit), to honour Mr Eriksen's lifelong commitment and care to animals and conservation."

For more information on where to donate visit the Ranch's website. 

Moult said Eriksen and his wife purchased the Ranch in 1986. It was then known as the Crocodile Farm.

"Over the years he transformed the farm. The way that he built up Cango Wildlife Ranch is phenomenal. He took calculated risks and always knew exactly what he wanted for the Ranch and how he wanted it to be and look like. 

"He loved animals and he loved working with them. He believed in going big or going home, but none of it would be possible without his wife. He loved and admired his wife and his children were his world. He also treated his staff as family and that is what makes his passing so incredibly difficult for all of us."

Eriksen was also very involved in the community.

"Drummies was a passion project for him and his wife and they contributed so much to the local drummies out of their own pockets."

He is survived by his wife Glenn Eriksen, his children Peter, Garett, Kylie, Jess and Douglas and his grandson Spencer.

Corleen Barnard, Tourism Manager at the Oudtshoorn and De Rust Tourism Office, said that Eriksen will be dearly missed in the tourism industry.

"He was one of the big role players in the tourism industry. It was his life and passion. He contributed so much to the industry and so many people who are working in tourism in Oudtshoorn started at the Ranch. I also worked there as a 16-year-old and working for him and with him was an honour and privilege."

Barnard further said that conservation and education were important to Eriksen.

"We also want to send our condolences to the family."

Andrew Eriksen

'We bring you the latest Oudtshoorn, Klein Karoo news'