CapeNature introduces the newest conservation kid on the block
CapeNature launched the brand new “LoveNature with Mbali” educational animated series today. Learners from Grade 4 to 7 can follow the live protagonist, Mbali, a 13-year old nature lover and her side-kick, the CapeNature Bot as they explore various conservation related topics. And what is more, the content is fully curriculum aligned.
CapeNature partnered with the Western Cape Education Department to make the series available as a resource tool for teachers and parents during a time where contact sessions are not always possible.
“The “LoveNature with Mbali” series was developed when the need arose to educate learners about environmental conservation through online and other non-contact platforms, following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The series has since grown into much more, as the need for resource material became apparent through engagements with the Western Cape Education Department and other partners. Each English episode is also available with Afrikaans and isiXhosa subtitles, a first for us”, says CapeNature CEO, Dr Razeena Omar.
The 16 animated videos link to topics in the Natural Sciences and Technology and Life Skills subjects. The highly entertaining videos can be used by teachers, environmental educators, learners and parents as a teaching and learning aid.
Mr Brent Walters, Superintendent General of the Western Cape Education Department, said that the animated videos have been linked with the Grade 4-7 Natural Sciences and Technology Lesson Plans and will effectively support learners whose home Language is isiXhosa and Afrikaans to understand the content and concepts, addressing Language Across Curriculum (LAC). The scientific content addressed will also assist in generating interest in the various fields of science.
“The series of animated videos will encourage the learners to practice, share and advocate matters of conservation, environmental awareness and sustainability to their communities that might not have access to this information,” he said.
“Every learner can be a “Love Nature” ambassador such as Mbali!”
Through this educational tool, the characters not only provide learners with the knowledge that is needed to understand a particular topic, but also link each topic to a conservation message and a call to action. Environmental themes explored include waste, water, species conservation and energy. It is envisaged that these messages will create a sense of shared responsibility toward our environment and encourage positive behaviour change in learners and educators alike.
The complete Mbali LoveNature series can be viewed and downloaded here.
Related News
CapeNature rangers praised for heroic rescue of stranded UK tourist
A visit to the iconic Robberg Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area — one of the Garden Route’s most celebrated gems — turned into a life-threatening ordeal for a London tourist, and a powerful reminder of humanity of CapeNature’s field rangers. For Ms Rosalind Innes, Robberg had been a long-awaited addition to her South African travel itinerary.
CapeNature bust - R500,000 fine for illegal reptile trafficking in the Western Cape
On Thursday, 12 February 2026, a Spanish citizen Mr David Navarro Roman (41) was convicted in the Vredendal Regional Court for the illegal possession and importation of 22 Armadillo Girdled lizards (Ouroborus cataphractus) and one speckled dwarf tortoise (Chersobius signatus) from Northern Cape to the Western Cape.
How CapeNature and partners "Reverse the Red"
Reverse the Red is “a global coalition of conservation organisations and species experts working together to accelerate action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss” and every year, 7 February marks Reverse the Red day. The term stems from the effort conservations make to try and reduce the number of species on the IUCN Red List.
CapeNature goes cashless at select nature reserves
In line with its commitment to service excellence, sustainability, and safety, CapeNature is excited to announce the transition to a fully cashless payment system at five of its flagship nature reserves from 2 February 2026. The move will streamline operations, reduce queue times, and enhance the visitor experience while reducing the risks associated with cash handling.
Celebrating the cultural heritage of wetlands on World Wetlands Day 2026
As the world commemorates World Wetlands Day annually on 2 February, CapeNature joins communities across the Western Cape in recognising the deep and enduring relationship between people, culture and wetlands, celebrating under the 2026 theme “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge… Celebrating Cultural Heritage”.
Wetlands are where nature, life, and culture converge
Before rivers find their way to the sea and before landscapes are shaped by roads and towns, wetlands quietly do the work of sustaining life. They are places where water, land and living memory meet. As we mark World Wetlands Day on 2 February under the 2026 theme, “Wetlands and traditional knowledge: celebrating cultural heritage”, we are reminded that protecting these ecosystems.