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OUDTSHOORN NEWS - Severe flooding triggered by relentless rainfall across the Garden Route and Little Karoo has caused extensive damage at Cango Wildlife Ranch, forcing emergency evacuations of vulnerable animals and prompting the facility to close temporarily to the public.
According to Anneke Lategan, the marketing manager of Cango Wildlife, the facility experienced one of the most significant flooding events in its history after heavy rains battered the region following an Level 8 weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service and local disaster management authorities.
As rainfall intensified on Wednesday 6 May, the dam levels rose rapidly before overflowing at around 16:30. The nearby Grobbelaars River surged dramatically, reaching levels comparable to the devastating floods of 1996, which many residents in the area still remember.
PHOTO GALLERY: Cango Wildlife Ranch experiences extensive damage
Water levels at the ranch rose quickly throughout the day before eventually overtopping the facility’s two-metre perimeter wall. By nightfall, the river had reportedly breached its banks by more than 60 metres in width and 4.5m in height, flooding more than half of the property.
In anticipation of worsening conditions, staff activated the ranch’s flood evacuation protocols before peak flooding occurred. Vulnerable animals were relocated to higher ground and safer areas across the ranch’s private reserve, veterinary facilities, animal care centre and protected indoor spaces.
Staff members remained on site throughout the night, conducting safety rounds every 20 minutes to monitor conditions and ensure the well-being of the animals.
During one of the overnight inspections at approximately 01:00, teams discovered that the wall surrounding Lemur Island had been completely washed away, along with a 10 000-litre JoJo water tank. Fortunately, the lemurs had already been evacuated earlier in the day.
The ranch also faced concern over its flamingos after floodwaters intensified overnight. While all flamingos were initially accounted for on Thursday morning, staff later responded to reports of one bird spotted in neighbouring flooded river land. In what the ranch described as a remarkable display of trust between caretakers and animals, the flamingo reportedly approached rescuers voluntarily and was safely recovered.
Despite the scale of the disaster and widespread infrastructure damage, the ranch confirmed that all animals and staff members remain safe.
Lategan said years of flood mitigation planning and preparedness played a critical role in protecting lives during the crisis. Reinforced barriers, gabion systems, strengthened walkways, strategic evacuation plans, and the dedication of staff were credited with helping minimise losses.
She also acknowledged the support received from the local community, including residents who shared river flow updates and assisted with precautionary efforts as conditions deteriorated.
Recovery operations are now underway, although ongoing rainfall and elevated river levels continue to pose challenges. The facility will remain temporarily closed to the public while damage assessments and clean-up efforts continue.
“This crisis is not over yet, but neither is our resolve,” the ranch said in its statement, thanking supporters, partners, and members of the public for their assistance and encouragement during the disaster.
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