The secret of CapeNature’s new ambassador is out!
CapeNature is thrilled to announce the identity of its new Cubs Club ambassador, Kai the Cape leopard cub. Kai was introduced to the public and a group of Cubs Club members on Friday, 5 July 2024, for the very first time.
Kai will be the face of CapeNature, bringing his charisma and charm to the Cubs Club. Nature lovers and Cubs Club members alike will soon become familiar with Kai and his unique personality and love of learning new things. Cape leopards are found in the Western Cape and inhabit rugged mountain areas and fynbos-covered valleys in the province. Smaller in size than other African leopards, they possess unique markings and demonstrate remarkable agility and adaptability.
CapeNature CEO Dr Ashley Naidoo expressed enthusiasm for the Entity’s newest member and his belief that Kai’s success is CapeNature’s success.
“Cape leopards are apex predators, and their wellbeing indicates a healthy ecosystem. If they do well, it means the entire environment they inhabit is thriving. Kai, as a young cub, symbolises the potential for growth and the importance of nurturing our natural world.
“His quest for knowledge and eagerness to explore captures the spirit of our curious young Cubs Club members who represent our future conservation champions,” says Dr Naidoo.
He adds, “Kai’s name, which means fighter, warrior, and protector of the Earth, reflects his future role as a guardian of nature. His unique appearance, with a black left back foot devoid of spots, emphasises the beauty of diversity and individuality while championing the little differences that make us all unique.”
As the Cubs Club ambassador, Kai will play a pivotal role in promoting environmental awareness and positive conservation behaviours among children. His mission is to inspire people of all ages to appreciate and protect nature. Over the next year, Kai will visit CapeNature reserves, participate in public events, and engage with children in previously disadvantaged schools through CapeNature’s curriculum-aligned programs. Exciting competitions and interactive events featuring Kai will be announced on social media throughout the year.
The CapeNature Cubs Club is a digital platform for children aged four to 13, offering educational resources and incentives to engage in environmental action projects. Members receive a welcome pack, birthday accommodation discounts, and invitations to exclusive events.
For more information on the Cubs Club or to sign up, parents and group leaders can email learning@capenature.co.za
Related News
Impact of Inclement Weather across CapeNature Reserves in May 2026
The last bout of extreme weather began in early May, when a cut-off low-pressure system hit the Garden Route. A week later, two powerful cold fronts swept through the rest of the Province, unleashing torrential rains and gale-force winds. The result has been widespread damage, with 85% of all reserves reporting at least some form of damage. The Cederberg region has emerged as the hardest hit.
Huis River aquatic invertebrate survey strengthens partnerships for freshwater ecosystem conservation
In the upper reaches of the Huis River near Barrydale, a recent aquatic macroinvertebrate survey is helping to inform conservation decisions for the Critically Endangered Tradouw redfin (Pseudobarbus burchelli), including the potential expansion of its range into upstream habitats in the river. The survey was conducted in partnership with
Ongoing efforts to safeguard the Critically Endangered Tradouw redfin through monitoring
The Critically Endangered Tradouw redfin (Pseudobarbus burchelli) is one of South Africa’s most range-restricted freshwater fishes. It is endemic to the Huis–Tradouw River catchment near Barrydale in the Western Cape. The species is listed as Critically Endangered due to its small and fragmented distribution, threats from invasive fish species, pollution, water abstraction, and habitat degradation.
Western Cape conservation efforts highlighted on World Biodiversity Day
Every year on 22 May, International Day for Biological Diversity (or World Biodiversity Day) is commemorated, and is meant to increase awareness about the many wonders of biodiversity, the numerous threats to it, and more importantly, what we can do to reduce or eliminate these threats. It marks 34 years since the Convention on Biological Diversity (CDB) came into force and reinforces the pledge
The Big Biodiversity Challenge Returns to Inspire Young Eco-Champions
The Western Cape Environmental Education Friends (WCEEF), together with members CapeNature, Western Cape Government, SANBI, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Nature Connect, SANParks, Working on Fire, the City of Cape Town and the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, announces the return of its flagship biodiversity competition for learners in grades 6 – 9.
CapeNature urges public not to unnecessarily remove chameleons following Garden Route storms
Members of the public are urged to assist wildlife responsibly following recent severe weather events in the Garden Route, and to avoid the unnecessary removal of chameleons from their natural habitat. Following severe storms experienced in the region over the last two weeks, many trees have lost branches or fallen entirely. As a result, some small animals have been displaced from their natural habitat.